Shifted reality display device and environmental scanning system

ABSTRACT

New visual systems are provided, implementing a new form of mediated reality, known as shifted-reality. In some embodiments, a matrix of specialized pixels creates redirected light with a plurality of angle-alterable, shiftable sources, which create virtual objects of greater realism than conventional 3-D imaging methods, and reduce the appearance of other objects or conditions. In some embodiments, existing images and objects viewed through a screen are shifted in perspective, and enhanced with effects and information related to objects and an environment. An object structure and materials library may be maintained, as well as an object inventory, based on observation with sensors. One sensor may be non-visual, but with a perspective related to a visual sensor. An array of subdividing material and structural categories may also be maintained.

RELATED APPLICATION DATA

This application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/138,481, filed Apr. 26, 2016, which itself is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/543,671,filed Nov. 17, 2014, which itself is a continuation-in-part of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 13/468,977, filed May 10, 2012. Thisapplication also is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 14/703,873, filedMay 4, 2015, which itself is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/329,190, filed Dec. 16, 2011, and is also acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/326,235,filed Dec. 14, 2011. The entire contents of each of those applicationsare hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety into the presentapplication.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of camera, display and otheroptic control systems. In particular, the invention relates to newaugmented reality and other mediated reality techniques.

BACKGROUND

Heads-up displays (or “HUDs”) have been in use at least since the 1960s,predominantly in military vehicle applications. HUDs of that naturegenerally create a read-out of vehicle and navigation-relatedinformation on or near a semi-transparent canopy and within in a pilot'snatural line of site for observing the environment surrounding thevehicle that he or she is controlling. Often, such HUDs operate byreflecting light off of semi-transparent surfaces and into the pilot'sfield of vision by an information read-out projector.

Various forms of 3-dimensional (“3-D”) displays have been introducedover the last century, including stereoscopic displays, which create adifferent perspective image for each of a user's eyes. In someembodiments, such displays incorporate a pair of glasses mounted on auser's head, to filter or otherwise introduce different light for eachof a user's eyes.

Structural stabilizing devices have also been used in conjunction withcamera systems for years, and include rolling dollies and thesteady-cam, developed by Garrett Brown. Such stabilizing devices createa smooth-follow effect when recording visual information with a camerathat is moving over uneven terrain or while in the hands of a verticallyoscillating operator—e.g., a person walking—by the use of iso-elasticspring-loaded arms.

It should be understood that the disclosures in this application relatedto the background of the invention in, but not limited to, this section(titled “Background”) are to aid readers in comprehending the invention,and are not necessarily prior art or other publicly known aspectsaffecting the application; instead the disclosures in this applicationrelated to the background of the invention may comprise details of theinventor's own discoveries, work and work results, including aspects ofthe present invention. Nothing in the disclosures related to thebackground of the invention is or should be construed as an admissionrelated to prior art or the work of others prior to the conception orreduction to practice of the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

New visual control systems are provided that implement a new form ofaugmented and mediated reality, known as “shifted reality.” In someaspects of the invention, a variably, directionally light-blocking,light-generating and light transmitting screen and actuating system isprovided, which limits, transmits and generates levels of light atparticular directions, for an observation point. In some embodiments, amatrix of specialized pixels creates variably-directed light with aplurality of angle-directable, shiftable sources, which aids in creatingvirtual, 3-D objects of greater realism than conventional 3-D imagingmethods, and aids in reducing the appearance of other objects orconditions. In these aspects, existing images and objects viewed througha screen may be shifted in perspective for an observer, and enhanced andoverlaid with effects and demonstrative information related to viewableobjects and a surrounding environment. In other aspects of theinvention, the system builds and accesses an object structure andmaterials library, based in part on input from a user, and, in part, onmethodical observation with a specialized group of sensors. Preferably,one observation sensor is non-visual (e.g., ultrasound), but observes anenvironment in a mappably-related perspective as a visual sensor. Alsopreferably, the system creates an infinite array of subdividing materialand structural categories. The system then applies that structure andmaterials library to an object inventory, and later corrects the objectinventory.

Other new optic control systems are also provided that control andaugment and control camera, user or environmental movement and otheroptical factors.

DEFINITIONS AND CONSTRUCTION

Within the context of this application, unless otherwise indicated, thefollowing terms have the specific meaning described herein:

“Actuable” in addition to its ordinary meaning and special meaning inthe art, is an adjective meaning that the noun modified by theadjective, such as a device, object, interface or condition, is able tobe actuated or controlled (for example, by input), including, but notlimited to each of the following: able to be actuated or controlled byexternal indications or input devices, changed stimulus, movement,and/or communication.

A “Brighter,” “Brighter than Average,” “Bright Source,” or “Bright LightSource,” in addition to its ordinary meaning and special meaning in theart, means an object within an observable environment, which object is asource of light that is of greater luminance per unit of anobserver/user's eye's lens, retina or field of vision receiving lightand/or an image of the object than at least one other object viewed orwithin the field of view of the observer/user, or means a more luminousthan the average luminance of a substantial section of the environment,for example, the viewable section or the remainder of the environmentother than the object that is a source of greater luminance, per unit ofan observer/user's eye's lens, retina or field of vision occupied bylight and/or an image from the section of the environment.

“Observation point-destined light,” in addition to its ordinary meaningand special meaning in the art, means light that, if passing through ascreen or through some semi-transparent, actuable light-affecting mediumand/or matrix, would intersect with a user's eye, eye lens or retina orother observation point if not blocked by the screen, medium or matrixand/or other objects between the screen, medium or matrix and the user'seye or another observation point (location point, area, region or spaceat which light is sensed).

“Shifted Reality,” in addition to meaning and sense set forth in greaterdetail below, relates to a new form of mediated reality in which lightemanating from a viewed environment is diverted, redirected, orotherwise altered and combined with artificial light by a system tocreate a modified view of an environmental object and virtual object oreffect.

It should be understood that, for convenience and readability, thisapplication may set forth particular pronouns and other linguisticqualifiers of various specific gender and number, but, where thisoccurs, all other logically possible gender and number alternativesshould also be read in as both conjunctive and alternative statements,as if equally, separately set forth therein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a vehicle operator's environmental view, as altered andaugmented by certain optic conditioning aspects of the presentinvention, as well as some surrounding environmental factors.

FIG. 2 depicts a side view of an operator seated in a motor vehicle, andobserving an environment with the aid of hardware implementing aspectsof the present invention.

FIG. 3 depicts another side view of an operator seated in a motorvehicle, and observing an environment with the aid of hardwareimplementing additional aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a process flow diagram for an exemplary method of implementingcertain light-conditioning, -enhancing, -augmenting or otherwise-affecting aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of some elements of a system that may be usedin carrying out aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 6 depicts an environmental perspective view that a user of a systemcarrying out aspects of the present invention may encounter, withspecialized shading and/or enhancement features designed to define,emphasize and control environmental conditions.

FIG. 7 depicts another environmental perspective view that a user of thesystem may encounter, with differences in specialized shading and/orenhancement features from features depicted in FIG. 6, to demonstrateadditional aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 8 depicts an interactive touch-actuable optical matrix and optionaladditional viewing apparatus, as may be used in accordance with aspectsof the present invention.

FIG. 9 depicts sensor and camera motion management hardware of a systemimplementing aspects of the present invention, including avariably-actuated floating lens mounting and curved, oversized variableimage capturing zone sensor.

FIG. 10 depicts additional sensor and camera motion management hardwareof a system implementing aspects of the present invention, includinglocal elevation and movement-indicating and response aspects.

FIG. 11 depicts a potential electromagnetic stabilizer/actuator joint,as may be implemented in aspects of the present invention and, inparticular, in the system discussed with respect to FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 depicts an exemplary individual pixel device for a display inaccordance with aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a side view depicting a pixel including a set of exemplaryred, green and blue subpixel components and other surrounding displayaspects, which may be incorporated in a flat panel display in accordancewith aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is partial side view of a pixel, additional interstitial displayaspects and a connected energy sink and power conversion system, whichmay be incorporated in a flat panel display in accordance with aspectsof the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a front view of an array of pixels comprised in a displayimplementing aspects of the invention related to image enhancement.

FIG. 16 is a top-view of elements of a variable-transparency displayscreen implemented “shifted reality,” in accordance with aspects of thepresent invention.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a specialized window displayincorporated into a semi-autonomous vehicle, in accordance with thepresent invention.

FIG. 18. is a perspective view of the same specialized window display asset forth in reference to FIG. 17, above, carrying out “shifted reality”aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a process flow diagram of exemplary steps carried out by asemi-autonomous vehicle, in accordance with aspects of the presentinvention.

FIG. 20 is a front-view of an exemplary personal environment viewing andscanning device, comprising a display configured for augmented realityeffects and an array of simultaneously deployed sensors and cameras.

FIG. 21 is a rear-view of the same exemplary personal environmentviewing and scanning device, and showing an exemplary array of sensorsand cameras, as well as exemplary grip and shock-absorption aspects.

FIG. 22 is an exemplary process flow diagram of exemplary steps, whichmay be carried out by a personal environment viewing and scanningdevice, such as the example described in reference to FIGS. 20 and 21,above.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts part of a vehicle operator/user's environmental view, asaugmented by certain optic conditioning aspects of the presentinvention, as well as some environmental factors surrounding a user. Atransparent windshield 101 held within mounting frame 103 allows a motorvehicle driver to view part of an environment surrounding the motorvehicle. Elements of the environment depicted in FIG. 1 include a sun105 setting into a horizon 107, and a tractor trailer 108 facing awayfrom the user's vehicle, 109. The sun 105 is an original source ofnon-reflected light that enters the user's field of vision and isbrighter (causes an image or light more luminous at the viewer's eyes,eye lenses or retina, or other observation point) than other objectlight sources within the user's field of vision, per unit area or spaceat the observation point. Reflective surfaces 111 and 113 on thetractor-trailer reflect sunlight through the windshield 101 and into theuser's field of vision. As will be explained in greater detail withrespect to additional figures, below, a system according to aspects ofthe present invention, such as a system creating dynamically-shaped,-positioned and -attributed shading, attenuating, augmenting orotherwise directional light-affecting conditions 115 and 117, causes aregional area of the windshield 101 to appear to be shaded for one userof the system, and, preferably, for that user of the system inparticular, reducing the amount of light permitted to enter that user'sfield of vision after passing through that area while leaving its priortransparency apparently intact for other observers or users.Furthermore, and as will also will be explained in greater detail withrespect to additional figures below, shading conditions 115 and 117 maybe placed in, or may have appended to them, leading positions along auser's field of vision, as defined by the direction of movement ofbrighter (more luminous in terms of candela per area, space and/or overtime at an observation point) than average, or brighter than anotherpredefined threshold, light sources, such as sources 105, 111 and 113.In the instance of FIG. 1, motion arrows 119 show that some brighterthan average light sources within the user's field of view, 105, 111 and113 (leading to shading), are moving toward the right-hand side of theuser's field of vision, due, for example, to the user turning thevehicle left. As a result, additional leading margins to the right-handside of conditions 115 and 117 may be included to ensure shading andother regional attributes that cover bright increases in light fromdifferent angles entering the user's field of vision due to thosesources in future instances, despite any lag in region creation orbrightness assessment that would occur only from sensing light andcreating shading conditions for that light afterwards. Alternatively, orin addition to that approach, the system may assess a probable futurelocation and shift conditions 115 and 117 to regions that will interceptfuture light from the object that is brighter than the tolerancethreshold set by the system and/or user, for example, by implementingidentification, definition and tracking of bright objects, relative toobservation points (i.e., the user's eye). After movement leading toadditional shading, shading movement, or leading margins has ceased orhas been altered, the system may then remove or alter that additionalshading. It should be noted, as will be amplified below, that the systemor user may change brightness threshold settings (luminosity levels andratios for objects and the environment, both overall and by region) thatwill lead to creating shading or augmenting features to optimize systemperformance and reduce lighting differentials between viewable objectsin a user's field of vision according to ambient—overall and regional(e.g., object light source feature-specific—lighting conditions. Forexample, a lower or greater amount of dynamic shading or other dynamicattributes of conditions 115 and 117 might be used in lower overalllight conditions, depending on the relative brightness of the shadedsource in comparison to environmental light conditions, as may bedetermined by environmental light sensor(s). Greater differentials willgenerally require greater shading for brighter objects, while reducingor removing general or environmental shading on the shield or matrix foran observation point. Smaller differentials, in bright overallconditions, on the other hand, may require the entire shield to beshaded to some degree, and more even concentration throughout the shieldfor an observation point.

Sources of different brightness and other visual qualities and shapesmay be managed by differently shaped shaded, attenuated or otherwiseenhanced conditions created by actuable, variable degree of actuation,and variable direction-of-light-affecting, regions of the windshieldmatrix. One exemplary device limiting light passing through a shield orother matrix at particular angles is provided in reference to FIG. 12,below, which is an exemplary curved pixel of a type that can uniformlycover a screen, which may comprise regions of switchableshading/transparency states—for example, with a plurality ofseparately-actuable cells of nematic LCD liquid crystals (such asexemplary nematic crystal actuating cell 1290), each covering lighttransmitted from one of underlying light-emitting junctions or othersources—covering and variably shading light transmitted at a widevariety of directions through a particular point in the screen as thecells are actuated by the system. For instance, because reflectivesurface source objects 111 and 113 may reflect and produce light dimmer(less luminous) than the sun 105 at an observation point, shadingregions creating shading condition 115 may be more strongly shaded thanshading regions creating shading condition 117, allowing less light fromthat source to enter the eye of a user of the system, or other viewingdestination. In addition, shading condition 117 may enhance the viewer'sview of edges 111 and 113 by generating a high contrast superimposed(from the user's point of view) image, preferably, also on the matrix,which may be accomplished by retaining edge contrast and objectdefinition and/or adding new viewing point destined light with aclearer, easier to view image, to better define a viewed object's (suchas the truck's) edges and other attributes.

In one embodiment, a luminance limit is implemented at an observationfocal point, preferably, based in part on overall brightness in theuser's field of vision and, even more preferably, based in part onchanges in brightness levels in the user's field of vision, and theamount of time a user's eye's have had to adjust to changed lightingconditions. This luminance limit is also preferably based on thecapability of the user's eyes (or user's eyes in general) to withstandluminance levels above and below the luminance limit (under theenvironmental light conditions encountered by the user). In someembodiments, the user's age, eye condition and other relevant user andenvironmental factors may be factors additionally impacting theluminance limit implemented. In any event, when such a luminance limitis implemented by the system, shading (such as the shading discussed inthis application) is implemented to the degree necessary to strictlyprevent the brightness levels experienced at any observation point to alevel according to the factors discussed immediately above. In otherwords, light leading to a brightness level exceeding the limit iscompletely blocked, and not permitted to cause a brightness levelexceeding the limit. To maintain images of the environment whileimplementing this limit, tone mapping may be implemented to reduce orotherwise adjust other brightness levels of any object within theobserver's field of view, relative to the resulting reduced brightnessof objects in the observer's field of view resulting from implementingsuch a limit. In some embodiments, the limit imposed prevents anypossible retinal damage, or any possible long-term retinal damage, forthe user, or an average or healthy individual, which can vary based onage and other factors. This limit can vary depending on the length oftime of exposure, and, with eye tracking, the directness of amount offocus on the resulting light-limited object of a user's eyes.

In the event that the system fails to implement the limit, or otherwisefails adequately to maintain or restore safe viewing and operatingconditions for a user, the system may take further cautionary measures.For example, in a vehicle implementing artificial intelligence fornavigation or driving, the system may cause the car to assess objectsthat pose a risk of collision, and take evasive action to prevent suchcollisions (e.g., safely steer the vehicle away from collision, orarrest the vehicle's movement). In some embodiments, the system mayissue alerts or otherwise communicate the potentially dangerouscondition to other vehicles, or issue commands to other vehicles causingthem to take coordinated evasive actions, if the evasive actions takenwith the user's vehicles may not be adequate to maintain safety.

FIG. 2 depicts a side view of an operator seated in a motor vehicle, andobserving an environment with the aid of hardware implementing aspectsof the present invention. A light-generating object 201 is within theuser's observable environment, and is observed by the user 203.Dynamically-shaped and attributed shading, attenuating, augmenting orotherwise light-affecting conditions 205 and 207 condition, modify,shade, reduce, enrich or otherwise limit and/or augment light passingthrough semi-transparent, regionally actuable windshield/matrix 209, asvariably set by the user and/or system. For example, light raysexceeding a threshold brightness (luminance) level per square area ofthe windshield through which the light passes, or that is projected toexceed a threshold level of brightness per unit of the user's field ofvision, area of eye lens or retina, when passing through the windshieldand to the user's eye or retina per area of eye or retina (an“observation point,” 217), may be attenuated or shaded by anelectrically, magnetically, or otherwise system-actuable or variableoptic control in just those regions of the windshield through which suchrays pass, and which optic control (such as actuable, directionalshading within the regions) may selectively control, limit or augmentlight passing through at particular angles converging on a probableobservation point, or group of actual or probable observation points.For example, exemplary rays 211, 213 and 215 depict some potential pathsof light rays originating from the bright light-generating source 201,and passing through such shading or attenuating conditions 205 and 207.Rays 211 and 213 depict the path of light originating from an especiallybright region of source 201, such as the center of a light bulb, whichmay be determined by the system by noting a differential in brightsource regions (after randomly, systematically or otherwise assessingpotential regional divisions) of the potential field of vision at theobservation point impacted by source 201, and dividing source 201 intosuch different regions if the system determines the division andresulting conditions (with or without blending) to be efficient enoughgiven an efficiency requirement that may be variably set by the user.Ray 215, by contrast, originates from a slightly less bright region(less candela per area, measured by rays cast from it, landing at thesame observation point) of source 201. As rays 211 and 213 pass throughthe windshield, their origination from a source yielding a higher levelof brightness per area at the eye, lens, retina or other observing pointfor the user (as is deduced by the system based on sensory informationobtained by the system) leads to the creation of a specializedattenuating, shading or otherwise light altering or augmenting condition205, which affects all or part of all rays originating from such abrighter region of source 201 and destined for an observation point,within a tolerance range for determining such an especially brightregion, and with a margin for absorbing unpredicted rays andorientations, which margin may be variably set and may lead the movementof rays from such a bright region, based on perceived and predictedrelative motion paths, or potential relative motion paths, of the source201, the user 203, and/or the windshield 209, with respect to oneanother, in order to ensure a minimum probability of shading,attenuating or otherwise augmenting light rays projected to exceed asystem threshold at the observation point. Light rays originating from aregion of source 201 that is below a brightness threshold, but aboveanother, lower brightness threshold exceeding average environmental orfield of vision brightness per unit of field of vision or area of rayslanding on an observation point, and which are projected also tointersect at the observation point 217, yield a second shading,attenuating or otherwise light-altering region 207, which may have lessof a shading, attenuating or otherwise augmenting impact on such lightrays passing through it. In this way, the source 201 may remain viewablein its entirety, rather than completely or partially blocked fromviewing, in a graduated or gradated effect created by the multipleregions 205 and 207 (the former of which is generally greater inshading) blending together in a graduated manner. Light determined to bebelow the lower brightness (luminance) threshold, such as light passingalong ray paths 219, may pass through the windshield unaffected, or lessaffected, by such specialized shading, attenuating or otherwiseaugmenting regions, but the overall matrix may be variably, optionallyshaded to decrease overall environmental brightness (luminance)exceeding a tolerance level that may be set by the user and/or system.

Although regions 205 and 207 are shown to be distinct regions with hardboundaries, it is also possible for the system to create blended regionsbetween multiple attenuation regions, or a single region and thebackground matrix transparency, to create a fade effect between them, orother continuous, rather than unitized treatments, or with levels ordegrees of attenuation or shading matched to brightness levels of therays passing through such that a more attenuated effect is achieved atthe observation point for areas of greater brightness. Many moreregions, or a single region with changing shading, attenuation or otheraugmentation over its area, described by such a variable function, mayalso or alternatively, be implemented.

The system may assess observation point locations dynamically, by asensor placed in front of, or nearby, in a related location (e.g.,eyeglasses), and determine the angles of intersection at an observationpoint based on height, lateral position and distance of the observationpoint from both the windshield and the bright source, or both. Butsensing the angles of light passing through, or projected to passthrough, the windshield may also be used to create user-desired and/orsystem selected shading, attenuating or otherwise augmentingconditions/features, by determining that they will intersect at anobservation point, the location of which may be variably set by thesystem or user, and may be determined by separate sensors or manualinput (e.g., eye sensor, user adjustment of seat or manual adjustment ofobservation point location setting controls). As another example,multiple sensors, placed at known, different locations, viewing allaspects of the user's visible environment from angles triangulating orencompassing the user's viewing angles (for both eyes) may be used toidentify and track all visible objects within the user's field of view,and their brightness levels, from which the appearance of those objectsand brightness levels at the user's observation points are be determinedand projected, in accordance with aspects of the present inventiondescribed in this application.

FIG. 3 depicts another side view of an operator seated in a motorvehicle observing an environment with the aid of hardware implementingadditional aspects of the present invention. With reference to thisfigure, aspects of the present invention addressing variable observationpoints, such as moving observation points 317 and 319, can be betterunderstood. Dynamically-shaped and attributed shading, attenuating,augmenting or otherwise light-affecting conditions 305, 307 and 308again shade, attenuate, augment or otherwise affect light passingthrough a windshield with variable light-attenuating capabilities 309according to projected threshold brightness (luminance) that wouldotherwise occur at an observation point 317. However, in this figure,the effect of the user raising his seat, being taller in a seatedposition or otherwise having a higher vantage point is shown by asecondary potential viewing position, outlined as position 325, and aresulting secondary potential observation point 319. The system mayautomatically implement this shift in light shading/augmenting locationsand condition centers, shapes and boundaries based on the change inposition of a reference point, or reference points, from which theuser's observation point, or range of potential observation points, maybe determined by sensors determining or indicating the instantaneouslocation of them—e.g., glasses with location sensors, or eye locationdetecting sensors or scanners—and based on a change in the viewingattitude and pivoting of eyes or other observation equipment, detectedby such sensors and scanners. However, in one embodiment, such sensorsare not required because the user may indicate such changes byindicating eye-location through the gesture of adjusting common vehiclecontrols, such as rear-view mirrors, which also depend on eye level.Calibrating input devices, such as dial 327, may allow the user toadjust the center of light augmenting conditions and regions of thematrix implementing them in multiple directions on the matrix,independently of such a mirror adjustment, while nonetheless pinningfurther adjustments to mirror movement. In this way, if the user changesposition to secondary observation position 325, and adjusts his or herrear view mirrors to a more acute vertical angle with the ceiling, angleθ shown (between line 329, which is parallel to ceiling, and line 333,along the top of the mirror (or perpendicular to the mirror face to theobservation point), an automatic adjustment of resulting conditions andthe regions of the shading matrix implementing them to positions 306 canbe made. Factors such as distance from the rear view mirror, which maybe extrapolated or estimated by seat position or head/eye tracking, mayfurther affect the accuracy of average assumed adjustments assumed bythe system to be appropriate, requiring calibrating adjustments, as withmultiple axis dial controls such as 327, which may adjust conditionwidth and amounts of regional shading, as well as shading location.Another control for calibration may further adjust the size, shadingeffects and shading darkness of the regions 306, to suit the user'sneeds and preferences. In some embodiments, a user may have a higher orlower tolerance for brightness levels than the system implements moregenerally, and the user may use a dial or other setting control toadjust shading levels, contrast, high-and-low brightness levels, and fordifferent environmental conditions. Some such embodiments may activelylearn a complex function describing the user's preferences over time,and according to particular events (e.g., less brightness tolerance inthe early morning may be indicated by a user increasing shading, orrelative shading, more greatly at that time, day after day) andimplement what it has learned in new settings, which themselves may beso further adjusted. In some embodiments, different users may createdifferent preset observation points, shading levels and any other systemsettings, based on their needs or preference, by programming the system.To implement those observation focal points, the user may use a presetimplementing control, or the system may implement them by identifyingand/or authenticating a user associated with the preset observationfocal points, as well as that user's position in the vehicle or othersystem component. However, even in these adjustable embodiments,preferably, hard brightness limits are still implemented, to protect auser's vision from damage or permanent damage. This aspect of theinvention may also be applied to a similar auditory-protection system,implementing instantaneous sound level reductions via a microphoneplaced closer to the sound source than the user's ear, and an actuablesound-attenuating media (e.g., with multiple, or variably enclosingactuable foam doors covering a user's ear canal.) In other words, auser's hearing in an environment can be selectively maintained, whilestrictly limiting and preventing damaging noise levels, in much the sameway.

The system may implement, set and adjust multiple shading regions formultiple observation points, and, preferably, may affect onlyobservation point directed light rays. Through substantial directionallight filtering, these multiple shading conditions may be surgicallyapplied, preventing or reducing the shading, attenuating or otherwiseaugmenting conditions and their implementing regions of the matrixaffecting one observation point from being perceptible to or otherwisesubstantially affecting the field of vision of another observationpoint.

FIG. 4 is a process flow diagram for exemplary steps 400 that may betaken by a system, such as a hardware and software system, implementingcertain light conditioning, enhancing, shading, limiting, augmenting orotherwise affecting aspects of the present invention. At 401, theprocess begins and proceeds to step 403, in which the system acceptsdata input from sensors communicating overall, environmental and/orambient light conditions surrounding the user, or within the user'sfield of vision (e.g., outside a vehicle and inside the vehicle wherethe user is seated, or simply surrounding a user and/or light augmentingor affecting matrix). If data is gathered from sensors in differentenvironmental regions, such as a region outside of a vehicle and aregion inside that vehicle, overall data (such as an average brightnesslevel) from each region may be considered and/or compared to one anotherto determine different modes of operation for the system. For example,in step 405, if the ratio of average light density(brightness/luminance) from outside sensors to average light densityfrom inside sensors is greater than a variably set or predeterminedthreshold below which a dusk mode or nighttime mode should be entered,the system may determine that it should enter a “daytime mode,”beginning in step 407. Alternatively, a simple overall brightness levelfrom overall environmental brightness sensor(s), rather than regionalcomparisons, may be taken and compared to a threshold in step 405, and,if the threshold is exceeded, the system may enter daytime operationmode in step 407. If regional comparisons are used, however, in step405, the amount of difference between the regional measures may be used,as well as simple threshold ratio amounts, to determine a proper mode ofoperation. For example, if a more slight scalar difference betweenout-of-vehicle and inside-vehicle readings is noted, a dusk or nighttimemode or other mode for preserving light transmission and moderatingattenuation (with a lower amount or area of shading, for instance, orwith a later brightness level onset of shading light destined for anobservation point) to retain more feature definition and contrast, underthose conditions, may be used. In any event, if the system determinesthat overall sensory data, with or without regional comparisons, willcause the entry of a daytime mode, it initiates a daytime mode process,at step 407. If, by contrast, levels of brightness or regionalcomparative brightness differences are inadequate to enter daytime modebecause, for example, they do not exceed the set thresholds for enteringdaytime mode, the system proceeds to step 409, in which overall sensorydata is compared against other threshold(s) for entering an intermediatemode, such as a “dusk mode.” Once again, regional brightness differencesmay be compared, or overall brightness data may be taken and measuredagainst such thresholds. If such thresholds for entering a dusk mode areexceeded, the system may proceed to dusk mode operation, at step 411.If, however, such thresholds are not exceeded, the system may default toproceed to nighttime mode operation, at step 413.

Beginning with the first step in daytime mode operation, if entered, thesystem proceeds to step 415 after entering daytime mode. Sensorsdedicated to a plurality of variable regions of a semi-transparentviewing matrix, such as an augmented glass windshield of a motor vehiclewith actuably, directionally shadable regions, relay sensory data forfixed time periods or points in time to the system. Preferably, eachregion is equipped with at least one sensor and has the capability ofindividually sensing and shading or otherwise altering aspects withinits volume selectively and affecting light of a selected angle oftransmission and destination, to shade or augment light passing throughthe matrix according to whether it will intersect with a point ofobservation, which may be variably set by the user and/or system. Evenmore preferably, each region is small enough and of a substantiallytessellated shape to allow total coverage of the entire matrix, and avariety of different shapes (and margins surrounding such shapes)covering any substantially observable section of the matrix. At step415, sensory data corresponding to each region, such as those that maybe labeled in a sequence of any necessary number of regions to cover thematrix (as may be expressed: R₁, R₂ through R_(N)), are passed from thesensors to the system. Preferably, these data are brightness/luminancelevels per region or span of the user's field of vision for lightpassing through each region that will intersect with a point ofobservation, and adjusted and assessed based on luminance per/area atthe observation point. Also preferably, these data are passed from thesensors for a given period of time, which is preferably small enough toavoid a flickering effect or other detection by a user under all usuallyencountered light conditions, given the human or other user/observer'spersistence of vision or other viewing tolerance. In step 417, thesystem preferably proceeds by comparing the brightness/luminance levelsof each region to overall average brightness levels from all sensors(i.e., to area-adjusted overall brightness). Next, in step 419, thesystem determines, for each region, whether observation point-destinedlight rays passing through the region have a total brightness/luminancethat exceeds, by an amount exceeding a set threshold, the averagearea-adjusted overall brightness for the entire matrix. Alternatively,or in addition, a hard cut-off brightness level may also be included asan additional comparison threshold level. If the brightness level for aregion is above such a threshold, the system then proceeds, in step 421,to shade, attenuate or enhance the observation point-destined lightpassing through the region, making it easier, less potentially damagingand/or painful to observe light passing through that region and throughto the observation point. Preferably, the amount of shading, attenuationor other enhancement is keyed by the system according to presetappropriate levels for daytime mode, and/or (by a function describingweighting for each, in the instance of both) is keyed to brightnesslevel of the rays attenuated/enhanced. If thresholds were not exceededin step 419 for any region, the system may return to the startingposition 401. If thresholds were exceeded in step 419, however, and ifthe system proceeded to shade, attenuate, or otherwise attenuate regionsof the matrix, the system next proceeds to step 423 after such shading,or other attenuation or enhancement for each region for the system'scycle time interval has take place. In step 423, the system nextdetermines if an object creating shading, attenuation or otherenhancement of regions or a group of regions is moving relative to theuser and/or the matrix, and tracks that movement. If so, the systemproceeds, in step 425 to add additional “leading margin” shading,attenuation or other enhancement at the margins of the outer edge ofsuch regions corresponding with the direction of movement of the object,at distances projected to block future light from the object fromreaching the observation point(s) (which may be a range of possibleobservation points). For example, if an incident object that castsobservation point-destined light rays of an intensity beyond a threshold“keyed” difference from overall brightness data for shading isdetermined or modeled by the system to be moving or accelerating towardthe right-hand side of the vehicle, in front of the windshield, and alsoto the user's right-hand side, at 1 meter per second squared, a leadingmargin of shading may be added to intercept future light rayssubstantially instantaneously in the region of the windshield/matrixthat will receive that future light, and in an amount of shading thatmay either match the remainder of the shaded region, or that may begraduated (thinning toward the edge of the direction of movement) andprovide some shading to a wider area of probable intersection, based onan analysis of the probability of object movement and intersectingincident light rays, or, also optionally, based on vehicle movementcommand data, such as the user steering the car to the left, which wouldalso cause the incident object to move toward the right of the vehicle.In addition, or alternatively, the shaded regions corresponding with themoving object or light source may themselves be shifted in the directionof movement at a rate determined to correspond with the likely futurepropagation of observation point destined light rays from the object.The system's rate of creating shading regions is preferably factored inby the system in determining the timing, size and shape of creating theshading. After creating the appropriate movement-based attenuation,shading or other enhancement for the interval handled in the operationcycle, the system returns to the starting position, 401, and againproceeds to step 403.

Optionally, and which may be preferred to save manufacturing costs,sensors may be less than one per-region, with the system creating amodel of light intersecting each region, based on light density andangles emanating from the surrounding environment at the more limitedlocations of the sensors and based on known angle and locationdifferences of each region from the point of the sensor and from lightsource objects. In fact, a single sensor may be used, but, preferably,more than one sensor is used in order to generate 3-dimensional/modelinformation about objects in the surrounding environment. Alsopreferably, sensors are embedded in a structural element nearby thematrix without physically blocking the user's view through the matrix.

Turning to the dusk and nighttime modes of operation, as discussedabove, if at step 405 the system determines that average overallbrightness levels, or differences based on regional comparisons, do notexceed a threshold amount for entering the daytime mode, the systeminstead may enter a dusk mode or nighttime mode, depending on furthercomparisons of sensory data to predetermined action-triggering levelssensed (thresholds) determining whether to enter each of those modes, atstep 409. If the threshold(s) for entering dusk mode are exceeded, thesystem proceeds at that point to steps 411 and then 427, or, if thosethresholds are not exceeded, the system may proceed to steps 413 and439. In either event, the system enters a series of steps similar tothose discussed with respect to daytime mode, except that levels and/orrations of brightness/luminance detection thresholds for creatingshading, attenuation and other dynamic enhancement features (and theamount, degree or type of shading, attenuation or other enhancementthemselves) may differ significantly from those implemented in daytimemode. For example, in nighttime mode, at step 443, the system maytolerate greater differences in regional light readings, and incomparison to overall brightness levels, before creating shading,attenuation or other enhancement in regions with brighter-than-toleratedincident light destined for an observation point. Similarly, the amountor degree of shading, attenuation or other enhancement implemented maybe less or change the character of the apparent object to user to makeit less bothersome, yet easy to see. For example, the brightness(luminance) of the object may be shaded by less lumens or candela perarea or less of a fraction of overall field of visionbrightness/luminance at the observation point than with shading indaytime mode for the same brightness or relative brightness levelobject, or the definition of the apparent object may be enhanced, andmay be shifted in spectrum to be easier to view in dark, nighttimeconditions. In addition, leading margins may be eliminated or decreasedin size or amount, or taper off more quickly if graduated, or otherwisemay be altered to avoid blocking dim neighboring objects which wouldotherwise be more difficult to see at night. To a lesser degree, duskmode thresholds and shading, attenuation or other enhancement may differfrom daytime mode operation in the same way, making it an “intermediatemode.” Of course, a three-mode system, such as that shown in FIG. 4, isnot exhaustive of the approaches within the scope of the invention, andis purely illustrative. A much greater number, or infinite gradations,of different modes, or a 1- or 2-mode system, may also be used, and mayaddress an infinite number of lighting, object, object movement andcontrast or event conditions that the system or user seeks tospecifically address by matrix regional conditions and light alterationor enhancement.

In one aspect of the present invention, light is added or replaced andmay be generated from other forms of energy by the system, to propagatein the same or related directions when compared to rays of lightdestined for an observation point. This addition can be made selectivelyto observation point destined light rays emanating from identifiedobjects (e.g., other vehicles) to brighten, label or boost contrast andof visibility of the object to a user of the system. In this way, thevisible scene, and important aspects thereof, for the user may be madeeasier to rapidly acquire visually and mentally.

FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram of some elements of an exemplarysystem 500 that may be used in accordance with aspects of the presentinvention, such as sensing light via regional sensors, creating shading,attenuating or other enhancing conditions in a semi-transparent matrix,running a touch-actuable matrix and multiple directable light sources,and managing camera shake and other undesired optic movements. Thegeneric and other components and aspects described are not exhaustive ofthe many different systems and variations, including a number ofpossible hardware aspects and machine-readable media that might be used,in accordance with the present invention. Rather, the system 500 isdescribed here to make clear how aspects may be implemented. Among othercomponents, the system 500 includes an input/output device 501, a memorydevice 503, storage media and/or hard disk recorder and/or cloud storageport or connection device 505, and a processor or processors 507. Theprocessor(s) 507 is (are) capable of receiving, interpreting, processingand manipulating signals and executing instructions for furtherprocessing and for output, pre-output or storage in and outside of thesystem. The processor(s) 507 may be general or multipurpose, single- ormulti-threaded, and may have a single core or several processor cores,including microprocessors. Among other things, the processor(s) 507is/are capable of processing signals and instructions for theinput/output device 501, analog receiver/storage/converter device 519,and/or analog in/out device 521, to cause a display, light-affectingapparatus and/or other user interface with active physical controls tobe provided for use by a user on hardware, such as a personal computermonitor (including, but not limited to, digital camera monitors ortouch-actuable displays) or terminal monitor with a mouse and keyboardand presentation and input software (as in a GUI), and/or other physicalcontrols. For example, and with particular reference to the aspectsdiscussed in connection with FIG. 9 et seq., the system may carry outany aspects of the present invention as necessary with associatedhardware and using specialized software, including, but not limited to,window presentation user interface aspects that may present a user withthe option to hold or accelerate a magnetically-actuated floating lensassembly, or to turn on or bias the system toward image stabilization,which would permit the lens assembly to more freely float in space orremain aimed at an observation point, for example, with drop-down menus,selection and movement control commands (e.g., mouse with cursor orkeyboard arrows or variable degree trigger switch) with differentsettings for each such command. As another example, with reference toFIGS. 1-8, such software may, with or without presentation of options toa user for selection on a conventional computer monitor, carry out anyaspect of the invention as necessary, such as, but not limited to,identifying a reference point for an observation point, determining arange of possible or likely observation points, and implementing otheruser interface and processing aspects that may be used in the art, suchas physics engines, physical modeling, detection, image-creation andremote control (and related software). In some embodiments, system 500may determine observation point(s) or region(s) with eye-trackinghardware, such as 516. As shown in the figure, eye-tracking hardware 516may include camera(s) or sensor(s) 513, among other possibilities. Theprocessor 507 is capable of processing instructions stored in memorydevices 505 and/or 503 (or ROM or RAM), and may communicate via systembuses 575. Input/output device 501 is capable of input/output operationsfor the system, and may include any number of input and/or outputhardware, such as a computer mouse, keyboard, networked or connectedsecond computer, camera(s) or scanner(s), sensor(s), sensor/motor(s),electromagnetic actuator(s), mixing board, reel-to-reel tape recorder,external hard disk recorder, additional hardware controls and actuators,directional shading matrices, directionally actuable light sources withvariable collimation and shiftable bases, additional movie and/or soundediting system or gear, speakers, external filter, amp, preamp,equalizer, computer display screen or touch screen. It is to beunderstood that the input and output of the system may be in any useableform, including, but not limited to, signals, data, andcommands/instructions. Such a display device or unit and otherinput/output devices could implement a user interface created bymachine-readable means, such as software, permitting the user to carryout the user settings, commands and input discussed in this application.501, 503, 505, 507, 519, 521 and 523 are connected and able tocommunicate communications, transmissions and instructions via systembusses 575. Storage media and/or hard disk recorder and/or cloud storageport or connection device 505 is capable of providing mass storage forthe system, and may be a computer-readable medium, may be a connectedmass storage device (e.g., flash drive or other drive connected to aU.S.B. port or Wi-Fi) may use back-end (with or without middle-ware) orcloud storage over a network (e.g., the internet) as either a memorybackup for an internal mass storage device or as a primary memorystorage means, or may simply be an internal mass storage device, such asa computer hard drive or optical drive. Generally speaking, the systemmay be implemented as a client/server arrangement, where features of theinvention are performed on a remote server, networked to the client andmade a client and server by software on both the client computer andserver computer.

Input and output devices may deliver their input and receive output byany known means of communicating and/or transmitting communications,signals, commands and/or data input/output, including, but not limitedto, the examples shown as 517. Any phenomenon that may be sensed may bemanaged, manipulated and distributed may be taken or converted as inputor output through any sensor or carrier known in the art. In addition,directly carried elements (for example a light stream taken by fiberoptics from a view of a scene) may be directly managed, manipulated anddistributed in whole or in part to enhance output, and whole ambientlight information for an environmental region may be taken by a seriesof sensors dedicated to angles of detection, or an omnidirectionalsensor or series of sensors which record direction as well as thepresence of photons recorded, and may exclude the need for lenses orpoint sensors (or ignore or re-purpose sensors “out of focal plane” fordetecting bokeh information or enhancing resolution as focal lengths andapertures are selected), only later to be analyzed and rendered intofocal planes or fields of a user's choice through the system. Forexample, a series of metallic sensor plates that resonate with photonspropagating in particular directions would also be capable of beingrecorded with directional information, in addition to other, moreordinary light data recorded by sensors. While this example isillustrative, it is understood that any form of electromagnetism,compression wave or other sensory phenomenon may include such sensorydirectional and 3-D locational information, which may also be madepossible by multiple locations of sensing, preferably, in a similar, ifnot identical, time frame. The system may condition, select all or partof, alter and/or generate composites from all or part of such direct oranalog image transmissions, and may combine them with other forms ofimage data, such as digital image files, if such direct or data encodedsources are used. Specialized sensors for regions of a pass-throughmatrix, such as a regionally-shadable windshield, sensors detecting thelocation of objects to be focused on or yielding observation pointdestined light, and sensors selecting points of reference to be trackedin a sensed and/or photographed scene and sensors capturing the forcesapplied to sensor/motors may also be included for input/output devices,among many other examples required according to other sections of thisspecification.

While the illustrated system example 500 may be helpful to understandthe implementation of aspects of the invention, it is understood thatany form of computer system may be used to implement many aspects of theinvention—for example, a simpler computer system containing just aprocessor (datapath and control) for executing instructions from amemory or transmission source. The aspects or features set forth may beimplemented with, and in any combination of, digital electroniccircuitry, hardware, software, firmware, or in analog or direct (such aslight-based or analog electronic or magnetic or direct transmission,without translation and the attendant degradation, of the image medium)circuitry or associational storage and transmission, any of which may beaided with external detail or aspect enhancing media from externalhardware and software, optionally, by networked connection, such as byLAN, WAN or the many connections forming the internet. The system can beembodied in a tangibly-stored computer program, as by a machine-readablemedium and propagated signal, for execution by a programmable processor.The method steps of the embodiments of the present invention may beperformed by such a programmable processor, executing a program ofinstructions, operating on input and output, and generating output. Acomputer program includes instructions for a computer to carry out aparticular activity to bring about a particular result, and may bewritten in any programming language, including compiled and uncompiled,interpreted languages, assembly languages and machine language, and canbe deployed in any form, including a complete program, module,component, subroutine, or other suitable routine for a computer program.

FIG. 6 depicts an environmental perspective view that a user of a systemin accordance with aspects of the present invention may encounter, withspecialized shading and/or enhancement features designed to define andcontrol environmental conditions. In this illustration, enhancementcondition 601 is overlaid onto an oncoming vehicle 603 facing the viewerand the viewer's vehicle head-on, from the wrong (driver's of vehicle'sleft-hand) side of the road for traffic in most United States two-lane,two-directional vehicle roads. A shading or attenuation condition 605also appears over a light source object (in this instance, the sun 607)of sufficiently great and/or differential brightness from other ambientlight that would otherwise reach the observation point(s) to trigger thesystem to create a shading or attenuation condition/element over it,reducing glare and brightness for observation point-destined light rayspassing through the medium of a windshield/matrix shadable or otherwisedirectionally light attenuable or enhanceable region(s), as, forexample, may be accomplished by the methods discussed with reference toFIG. 4. Using system aspects as discussed with reference to FIG. 5, andelsewhere in this application, the system may identify the oncomingvehicle 603 as a collision hazard, for example, by headlight detection,range-finding sensors, motion tracking and other vehicle orientationdetection methods, leading to the creation of condition 601 to alert theuser. In this scenario, the system places a priority on the enhancementcondition/element 601, making it visible above, and without alterationby, shading condition/element 605, for example, due to a priority orderimplemented by the system based on condition importance and prominencefor display of classes of light enhancement or attenuation conditionsusing the actuable matrix. The enhancement condition 601 may haveadditional visibility-enhancing and alert characteristics (such as aflashing red hue and/or warning message, which may be accompanied bytext or sound alerts) to further call out the underlying oncomingvehicle image and the potential danger the object may pose to the user.Meanwhile, the system still reduces glare and viewing damage from thebright object 607 behind the vehicle, but without interfering with thealerting methods in the region of superseding element 601. The systemmay determine that the oncoming vehicle poses a collision hazard for theuser by any number of collision detection subsystems and physicalmodels, in addition to assessing its presence and facing direction froman improper, oncoming lane. For example, the system may also assess thespeed and projected collision time to assess adequate safety, withconsideration of the user's vehicle's speed and direction. As with otheraspects of the invention set forth above implementing artificialintelligence in vehicular contexts, the system may arrest or otherwiseimplement evasive or other cautionary measures and communications, if auser does not successfully avert the danger within a time limit, whichmay be system-adjusted according to the degree and probability of thedanger.

FIG. 7 depicts another environmental perspective view that a user of asystem in accordance with aspects of the present invention mayencounter, with differences in specialized shading and/or enhancementconditions and features from those depicted in FIG. 6, to demonstrateadditional aspects of the present invention. In this instance, anoncoming motor vehicle 703 does not cause the system to overlay anenhancement or alert feature over the motor vehicle, unlike theenvironmental view scenario discussed with respect to FIG. 6. Althoughthe system may still determine that the vehicle is oncoming, as ageneral matter, it may employ a physical model and rule system thatdetermines that a collision between the motor vehicle and the user'smotor vehicle is too unlikely to trigger an alert, given the nuisancethat frequent false alerts would pose. Alternatively, a more subdued,smaller, or less intense warning overlay region may be, but need not be,employed to call out the presence of the oncoming vehicle, which, aswith each subfeature of the invention, may be system- or user-adjustableor system- or user-determined. More specifically with respect to thephysical model and system determination that too low a threat exists tocreate an alert of the nature discussed in FIG. 6: the system maythrough vehicle traffic lane detection or information and vehiclelocation detection or information determine that the oncoming vehicle isin a correct lane which, if continued to be followed, will not result ina collision—even if the turn in the road might yield simpler physicalmodels to incorrectly project a potential collision based oninstantaneous velocities without the benefit of such detection andinformation. The system may also withhold warnings based on suchcollision/intercept velocities if the vehicle accelerations indicatecorrection that will not yield a collision, even if the oncoming vehicleis initially momentarily in the wrong lane, for example, at too great adistance away to create an alert. A shading or attenuation condition 705covers just the visible parts of the bright object 707. An additionalenhancement region (not pictured) may reduce or replace a halo effectfrom the bordering region of the bright source 707.

FIG. 8 depicts a perspective view of an interactive touch-actuableviewing display and matrix 801 comprising light sources and an optionalauxiliary viewing apparatus (specialized glasses 823), as may be used inaccordance with aspects of the present invention. The viewing matrix 801comprises a plurality of angle-directable and base location-shiftable,variably-collimated light source units, such as those examples shown as803. While a containing mounting frame and platform 805 may house andprovide support and a structure for movement (using, for example,actuators) for the bottom and lateral sides of directable light sourceunits such as 803, part of the left-hand side of that mounting 805 isnot included in the figure, in order to aid in visualizing the3-dimensional composition of those light source units 803. Each lightsource unit 803 comprises a directable light-producing and variablefocus lensing unit 807, embedded in a pivoting sensor/motor actuator809, allowing the system to produce and direct light rays of varyingcollimation, emanating generally or specifically (depending on theselected, system or user-variable degree of light collimation) in thedirection of the length of the cylindrical light-producing/lensing unit807 body. As explained in greater detail below, by changing the anglesand collimation of each unit 807 to deliver pulses of sufficientduration at necessary angles to create a varying perspective impressionfor different viewing locations and perspectives from eye movements, forexample, using the sensor/motors 809, in pulsed durations and sourcelocation spacing that maintains the appearance of an image due to thehuman persistence of vision and focal abilities, the system may bothcreate three-dimensional images of virtual objects of varying depths ina user's potential field of vision and may reduce or even substantiallyhide the presence of objects between the matrix and the observationpoint (typically, a human eye) 811, at the pupil 813 (shown within aniris 815) with a final destination of a retina (not pictured).Preferably, light ray angles to place image-generating light at allpossible rotational positions and positional shifts of an eye or retinaas the observation point are produced, or can be produced upon detectingthe occurrence of those shifts and points by eye position andorientation tracking, by the matrix 801, and the system producesdifferent images corresponding with different perspectives andorientations that would result from such actual or possible eye rotationand shift matched by a facing and opposing unit 807 position,corresponding with those additional angles and positions to create theappearance of the common virtual object regardless of changing eyeposition and orientation. Using this technology, 3-D perception isgreatly aided over what is ordinarily possible with separate imageinformation for each eye only, as is done in 3-D photography,stereography and viewing techniques. To further explicate: First, thedistance of a virtual object projected by the matrix may be variedalmost infinitely by adjusting the angle and degree of collimation ofefferent light from each light source 803 to produce the image of aviewable object. By reducing collimation to scatter light at a varietyof angles and by simultaneously directing each lensing unit 807perpendicularly from the length and width of the back of the mounting, asimple two-dimensional picture may be created. However, some or allunits 803 may instead be used to create at least one virtual 3-D objectimage for a viewing point, such as pupil 813 or the retina of eye 811,which object may have a nearly infinite variety of possible apparentdistances from the user, at the election of the system, for example,according to the requirements of displayed media recorded from camerasensors recording (or recording systems extrapolating) light angle andsource position object information for a variety of correspondingviewing angles and position shifts from a recording format includingthose parameters. This may be accomplished by several of the units suchas 807 directing more collimated, or narrower divergently (orconvergently in front of the observation point from reversed sides, tocreate the appearance of an object in front of the matrix) angled lightcorresponding with the object's efferent light profile for the viewingpoint, from angles more acute than perpendicular (which angles depend onthe distance and size of the object sought to be simulated) and towardall possible or likely shifted and rotated positions for an eye andretina, with virtual object information corresponding with those anglesand positional shifts. The closer to perpendicular from the length andwidth of the mounting bracket source units 803 are, the further away anobject will appear, until an infinite focal length is attained, causedby substantially parallel emanating light rays. To simulate an adequate3-dimensional virtual object for multiple viewers and/or multiple eyesof one viewer (simultaneously reinforcing the 3-D effect more strongly,due to two eyes with varying angles greatly increasing depth perception)some units may target one eye or viewer with more collimated light,preventing interference with the other eye or viewer, while other unitstarget the other eye or viewer, with virtual object light angles andsource positions corrected in perspective for each eye's position.Alternatively, or in conjunction, units may pulse light rays targetingone eye or viewer and then shift to pulse light rays targeting the othereye or viewer, in sufficient frequency and duration to avoid perceptionby the viewer, due to the persistence of vision effect (exploited inmultiple frame cinema). In still other embodiments, the system may causelight interference of more diffuse light emissions from units 803 tocreate new, resultant light beams at the viewing points. In this way,the appearance of virtual object images can be built in front of objectsin between viewer and the screen. Objects even closer to the viewer thanthe matrix may also be simulated by more acute light ray angles (which,as noted above, may result from reversed-sided light-carried informationrelative to light-carried information from units corresponding withimages further away, beyond the matrix from the viewer) and, if enoughlight is used, virtual objects of any distance, and particularly, closerdistances, may be used to overwhelm the appearance of other objects inbetween the matrix and the viewer, causing them to be effectively hiddenand appear to disappear. For example, in the context of a matrix inaccordance with the present invention that is also a touch screen, auser may use his or her finger 817 to touch-actuate the screen. However,the user's finger 817 need not block the user's view of the screen (asit does in conventional touch screens) if surrounding units, such asunits 819, adjust their collimation and shift their angles and positionsto pulse light of sufficient duration to substantially replace lightfrom the units otherwise hidden beneath the user's finger 819. This isespecially effective in instances where objects of a substantiallydifferent apparent distance than the user's finger are used, because theuser's eye and/or eyeglass lens will naturally blur and scattercompeting light from the user's finger or stylus. However, specializedlenses, such as those depicted as 821, with sub-component lenses 822 ofvarying focal lengths can be used to exaggerate that difference, andmore effectively replace image data from behind a hiding object, such asa user's finger. Certain of the subcomponent lenses 822 may be orientedand have the proper focus to create the impression of virtual objectsfrom source units 803 that are not, in fact, sending light from thoseangles but, due to the refraction of those sub-component lenses, appearto be. Meanwhile, other subcomponent lenses 822 may have a focal lengththat exaggerates the apparent difference in distance from an interveningobject and the location of the virtual objects generated by the matrix,even in the event that a flat screen effect is being created by thematrix. Together, these aspects further scatter competing light frominterfering objects and fully replace light of the correct angle andapparent source for light blocked by interfering objects. Light sourceunits 803 must have dynamic, highly accurate targeting abilities, andthe system must track the orientation and location of the auxiliaryviewing apparatus 823, and be further programmed with locationalinformation for each type of lens subcomponent 822, to carry out aspectsof the invention discussed above. It is preferred that each of thelenses of the auxiliary apparatus absorb or scatter light from the angleof departure from the location of interfering objects (e.g., up to 0.5inches in front of the matrix) and/or reflect or block it out of view ofthe viewer's eye. Compound lens subcomponents 822 that adjust focallengths according to orientation of each lens sub-component may benecessary to carry out these aspects. Positional shifts of light sourceunits 803 may be managed by structural actuable tracking components 827,which the base of units 803 may move along in any direction along themounting 805 floor and/or walls, with the aid of a fitting member 829 oneach unit 803.

Although an array of micro-lenses and units 803 are illustrated onglasses apparatus 823, it should be understood that a wide variety oflens arrays and types may be used, in addition to other lightmanipulation devices. For example, in one embodiment, beamed light withembedded subcomponents suited to the orientation of apparatus 823 may bereceived by a beam-splitting lens array, which then spreads differentcomponents of the beam across a visible screen of apparatus 823,creating a viewable image appropriate to the viewing orientation of theapparatus 823 and user. A trackable location and orientation-indicatingtag on apparatus 823 may aid the system in defining and directing thebeam into such beam-splitting lens array, to create the image of theappropriate perspective. In that embodiment, a light amplifier may alsobe used in apparatus 823, or a broad-spectrum beam may be narrowed atthe apparatus, to avoid the need for a dangerously high-energy beam.

FIG. 9 depicts a cutaway side view of a sensor and camera motionmanagement hardware of a system implementing aspects of the presentinvention, including a variably-actuated floating lens mounting 901 andcurved oversized variable active zone sensor 903. A bi-convex converginglens 905 is seated in a lens bracket 907 with system- and/oruser-variable, zoned electro-magnetic charge carrying attachments 909.As will be explained in greater detail below, individually chargeablezones, such as those shown as 908 of the attachments 909 permit thesystem to create magnetic and/or electrostatic holding and actuatingforces with the use of variable actuators to accelerate and cause orcease the rotation of the lens assembly relative to the remainder of thesystem. Gyros, such as 910, may variably (applied when acceleration ofthe lens by the system is not sought) aid in stabilizing thelens/bracket assembly in space. Also mounted to bracket 907 arevariable, actuable aperture controlling louvers 911, which limit thewidth and amount of light entering the camera/sensor hardware and,ultimately, landing on the sensor 903. The sensor 903 is shown to becurved such that, as lens 905 may rotate within an overall camerahousing (not pictured) and relative to compatible zoned electromagneticexternal actuator(s) 913, a focused image may still be captured on thesensor, albeit in a different, or even moving, expanse of the sensor 903than before such rotation. Full rotation of the rotating lens/bracketassembly 901 such that image-forming light moves out of the sensor'srange can be prevented by graduated rotation resisting force,implemented by the system, which may gradually create increasinglyattractive, opposing accelerating charges in the charge carryingattachments 909 and nearby regions of the actuators 913. But the systemand/or user may also use physical, such as retractable/extendablestructural members, with or without force loading, to decelerate orarrest undesired lens movement, and, when floating lens aspects are notin use, to lock lens mounting 901 relative to the camera housing and/orsensor. In the instance of motion picture photography, the system mayalso follow and track rotation and other movement of the lens relativeto the outside environment and momentarily arrest and then resume lensrotation and movement (including placing it into its correct positionbased on the previously projected rotation of the camera that wouldotherwise occur) to allow for a fixed image for the instance ofrecording on the sensor, avoiding motion blur, while maintaining asteady pan. Alternatively, motion blur can be corrected automatically bythe system by tracking and interposing information from leadingpixel/sensors outside of the image size, accepting light later theinitial impression of light creating and image and determining shiftedimage data based on that advanced distance, and combining shifted or newpixel data with data from previously leading pixels and deleting thatdata from the actually recorded positions.

Preferably, the sensor 903 and the external lens actuator(s) 913 areconnected structurally and weight-balanced, such that the mounting pointfor the actuator(s) serves as a fulcrum between them. In this way, lesselectromagnetic force is required to offset levered force that wouldoccur between the external actuators and their own variableelectromagnetic floating mount(s) actuator(s) 915.

The system may determine which region of the sensor 903 is consideredactive, and from which to accept and store image data, based on sensorsindicating the rotational position of the lens, and then inferring theregion which may accept light from the lens based on that rotation.Alternatively, the system may determine active regions on the sensorsimply by the regions of light being sensed on the sensor 903, althoughdark conditions may limit the utility of that approach because noambient light may be present for some regions of the sensor that shouldbe dedicated to the image. In that instance, the system may select avariety of cropping options to the user, in specialized image file, toallow any composition chosen by the user. Communicating leads 917 permitcomputer or machine logic components (such as a computer system, likethe system discussed with respect to FIG. 5) to actuate actuators 915and 913, and apply force to lens 905, which may be graduated anduser-selectably graduated, as with a multiple degree of depressionsensing trigger or switch 921. In this way, a user holding a camerahousing connected to actuators 915 and 913 and sensor 903 couldgradually apply a force to the lens 905 to alter, accelerate, decelerateor arrest its rotation relative to the actuator(s) 915 and 913, sensor903 and, more generally, their housing (not pictured).

Vertical or lateral shake can be avoided by the system by actuatingadditional chargeable regions of the floating mount actuator(s) 915,which may apply magnetic and/or electrostatic force to chargeable zonesof the actuator 913. While generally similar charges lead the actuatorto float, opposing, attractive charges at some paired locations mayallow the system to hold, buffer or accelerate the actuators, accordingto user or system commands. For instance, if accelerometers indicatethat the overall camera housing is initiating a vertical shake, and theuser has commanded the system to “float” freely, without shake, thesystem may remove those opposing locking charges and initiate newopposing charges to accelerate the actuators (and the actuated lens) tomove the peripheral components to the lens with the motion of the shake,and/or move the lens counter to the motion of the shake. Such commandsmay be made by varying degrees, using a variable degree input, such as agradated trigger/sensor/switch like 921. Although, due to the cut-awaynature of FIG. 4, it appears that the bottom of the actuator(s) 913 andits floating mount to the housing 915 are generally cylindrical,permitting only up and down movement, the actuator instead may be asingle disk edge-shaped flange extending into a ring-shaped trench ofthe floating mount 915, controlling any lateral or vertical shake, andcombinations thereof. Additional actuators (not pictured) using the samecounter-motion systems may buffer shake in the fore and aft directionsrelative to the housing. Actuators, hardware input devices, and sensorsof the system may communicate with one another and a control system,such as that discussed with reference to FIG. 5, via communicationbusses 917.

FIG. 10 depicts additional sensor and camera motion management hardwareof an exemplary system implementing aspects of the present invention,including a local elevation and movement-indicating beacon 1010, fixedinto a ground or floor 1011. The movement-indicating beacon 1010comprises multiple transmitting points 1013, at least some of which arelocated at different vertical and horizontal positions and transmitseparately-identifiable, distance-indicating signals to the system, suchthat any movement in any direction relative to the beacon can be trackedand responded to by the system. An anchor section 1015 (which mayinclude progressive threading, as pictured) permits pinning the beacon1010 into a fixed (or desired to be tracked) background element, such asthe ground or floor 1011. By receiving and/or transmittingdistance-indicating signals over time, the transmitting points 1013 mayindicate to the system, through, for example, RF antenna unit 1017, theinitial and change in position of a sensor/camera support unit 1019, onwhich the sensor/camera 1021 is mounted. By communicating with elementsof the sensor/camera 1021, lens assembly (not pictured in this figure)and RF antenna unit 1017 with leads/busses 1023, the computer system(such as a system similar to the one discussed with reference to FIG. 5)1025, connected with and powered by a battery unit 1026, may aid instabilizing the sensor/camera support unit 1019 by actuating and/orapplying stabilizing force using electromagnetic stabilizer/actuators1027 and 1029, in conjunction with a shoulder-mounted harness 1031 withtorso-mounting bracket 1033. In addition to using free-floatingisolation methods discussed with respect to FIG. 9, the system maystabilize the sensor/camera support unit 1019 by permitting theshoulder-mounted harness 1031 (which may alternatively be any form ofharness or handle) to move in any direction and by any amount withoutapplying direct force to the sensor/camera support unit. Morespecifically, the system detects and counters instantaneous movement ofthe shoulder-mounted harness (for instance, by location and/or movementdata receipt/transmission of a mount beacon 1035 relative to each/anythe movement indicating beacon 1010 and/or to the mount RF antenna unit1017), from which movement information the location and additional forcethat would be instantaneously applied to stabilizer actuators 1027 and1029 may be inferred by the system—preferably, detecting motions thatlead with a mount beacon 1035 movement relative to the movementindicating beacon 1010, and countering them specifically or moreaggressively than other movements with actuator movements that move withthe direction of force. Instead of permitting the shoulder-mountedharness 1031, or a similarly-mounted and buffered operator handle (notpictured), to apply direct additional force (other than to counteractgravity or centrifugal forces, which may be detected separately byaccelerometers in the camera mount 1019 as progressing from thegravitational direction to cause the camera mount to turn, and counteredsmoothly) the system may instead allow and assist both stabilizeractuator 1027 and 1029 joints to rotate, and provide the harness withfreedom to move by moving an intermediate armature, which is actuated byboth stabilizer actuators, while not moving mount 1019. Such anon-direct force transmitting movement, and reaction by the system, isshown by force arrows 1037. To allow a smoothly-applied redirectingforce to be applied, the user may indicate that the system “follow” therelocation of the harness or handle by a degree of rapidness andcloseness to the actual movements, or by movement progressions andfunctions, which may be variably set by the user. For instance, thesystem may apply a gradually, progressively increasing force in the samedirection that the user has moved the harness, and a deceleration forcethat is also smooth and gradual, to permit a resting point that is thesame relative to the shoulder harness as the beginning point, before themovement of the harness. Progressive functions that the system may applymay include force concentrations in different ranges of movement, andsuch functions may include, also as variably selectable by the user andsystem, restriction to movement in particular planes (e.g., “horizontalpan, faster acceleration curve in the first 30 degrees of harnesspivot”) while preventing movement in other planes or lines (e.g., “fixedcamera altitude”). The stabilizer actuator 1027 and 1029 may also beused by the system to resist and smooth out movements from externalinsult (e.g., nudging or panning the camera mount by hand) by similarcounter movements and force biasing or smoothing functions.

Turning to FIG. 11, certain additional aspects of the present inventioninvolving potential forms of actuators 1027 and 1029 may be betterunderstood. Generally, an actuator 1101 with a ball element 1103 andsocket element 1105 is provided. Unlike with traditional ball-and-socketjoints, however, 1101 may limit or avoid physical contact between thesurfaces of the ball element 1103 and socket element 1105 byelectromagnetic forces, which are sufficient to hold the ball element1103 generally within the center of the socket element 1105. Butcontact, lubricants and ball bearing structures may alternatively beused. More specifically, separately chargeable regions, such as 1107, ofboth the ball element 1103 and the socket element 1105 may be variablyelectrically and magnetically charged to repel (or, as discussed ingreater detail below, in particular regions to repel and attract) oneanother for both stability and applying rotational force to an attachedlever 1109. One form of stabilization and actuation may be accomplishedby rotating rotatable sphere aspects of either or both the ball elementand the socket element (if provided with a rotatable axis whereconnected with other structural elements to which they are attached). Byusing a dipole of charges in both the ball element and the socketelement, as shown (although the charge of the inner sphere of the 1103sphere is shown and the charge of the outer sphere 1105 is not shown inthe area where the two both appear in the figure, for clarity), andspinning them rapidly enough relative to one another, the resultingrapidly oppositely applied forces create a substantially fixed, stablehold between the two elements of the joint. Furthermore, by selectivelyslowing and accelerating the rotations at points to increase aparticular direction of applied force, while increasing speed (andtherefore, decreasing force), on the opposing side of the rotation, aforce may be applied for a desired rotational direction and amount, or afunction of directions and amounts, to cause actuation of the joint inany direction or functional complex of directions. By choosing morecharge-bearing actuable units on the entirety of one side, as well ashigher levels of charge, or less charge only toward the end of the sideof the dipole, and differing rotational speeds, accelerations anddecelerations, a wide variety of force gradations are possible. Ratherthan spinning fixed or fixed types of charges, charges may be simplyaltered in patterns to cause actuation as well, in fixed physicalspheres for both the ball and socket components.

FIG. 12 is a side view cross-section depicting an exemplary pixel device1201 for a display in accordance with aspects of the present invention.An array of several such pixel units 1201, for example mounted on andspread across a surface of a display, is useful for producing3-dimensional images with or without the use of stereoscopic glasses.Pixel device 1201 may be mounted is such a display by soldering orotherwise electrically connecting and welding individually-activatablecontacts 1203 into ports within such a display, and which ports alsocomprise contacts (not pictured) that are electrically connected tocontacts 1203 when pixel 1201 is so mounted. It should be understoodthat the pixel appears to be generally shaped as a half-dome fordemonstrative purposes in the figure, but will be a full dome, inpractice. As a result, twice the number of mounting contacts picturedwill be present (in an array that is a mirror image, out-of the page,from that shown), but half are omitted due to the cross-sectional natureof the figure. Thus, A control system, such as control system 500,discussed above, may address and provide power to each contact 1203, andthe mirror image contacts not pictured, through system-switchableelectrical connections. Exemplary contacts 1205 are the visible pair ofcontacts closest to the viewer—thus, appearing larger than others ofcontacts 1203—and each contact 1205 addresses the same curved row 1207of semiconductor units 1209. Preferably, contacts 1205 are of anopposing polarity relative to one another and, when addressed andsupplied with power by a control system, receive current via contactsconnected to them when pixel 1201 is mounted in a display—completing acircuit. Junctions, such as example 1211, between semiconductor units,such as examples 1209, allow for variable bridging and transmission ofcharge in the circuit between one semiconductor unit, such as 1213, andits abutting neighbor unit, 1214, across them. The bridging andtransmission that may occur at the junctions is variable in that it mayoccur at different levels of charge, and at voltage differentials,between the neighboring semiconductor units defining the junctionbetween them. For example, semiconductor unit 1213 may be loaded withenough charge, at a different enough level relative to its neighboringunit 1214, to cause a charge transfer across junction 1211 that yieldsthe emission of light outward, as shown by light emission andpropagation arrow 1215. However, preferably, that charge or voltagelevel difference, high enough to cause light emission, preferably doesnot occur due to the circuit created by voltages applied to contacts1205 alone. Preferably, the voltages and current applied throughcontacts 1205, and the resulting circuit formed in part across row 1207,is sufficiently great to bridge the junctions between semiconductorunits 1209, but at a lower charge or voltage differential, which doesnot yield as significant levels of emitted light or other radiation fromthe junctions. Instead, light is selectively emitted from any particularjunction or regions or points on the dome selected by a control system,among other possible methods, by boosting the charge level of asemiconductor unit with a newly defined circuit path intersecting thatsemiconductor unit. For example, a multiplex contact 1217 may boostcharge, and create an auxiliary circuit component through, part of anycurved column of semiconductor units perpendicular to curved row 1207,through lateral, perpendicular junctions, such as exemplary junction1219, thereby loading semiconductor unit 1213 with greater charge andrelative voltage, totaling a voltage sufficient enough to yield theemission of light from junction 1211 when it is then bridged. To aid inmaintaining the main circuit path across row 1207, and light emission atthe selected junction 1211, and avoid erroneous alternative circuitpaths, the auxiliary, boosting circuit branch discussed above, acrossthe column of semiconductor units 1221, preferably may be supplied withthe same charge or voltage as the main circuit across row 1217, andjunctions perpendicular to junction 1211 may be made more difficult tobridge than junction 1211 (and other junctions in parallel arrangementwith it), and just enough voltage to bridge the minimum number ofperpendicular units to reach unit 1213 from multiplex 1217 may beapplied. However, in other embodiments, all junctions are equallyresistant or difficult to bridge, leading the minimum distance in unitsto join and complete the lateral circuit addition from multiplex 1217(i.e., the path of least resistance) as the main factor driving thecircuit created across the semiconductor units. In this way, by poweringand creating a circuit across a particular row of semiconductor units,such as row 1207 or any row parallel to that row, and by simultaneouslypowering and creating a circuit across a particular column ofsemiconductor units perpendicular to that row, such as column 1221, aparticular junction, such as 1211, and just that junction, can besubjected to a sufficient voltage or charge differential to yield thecreation of light when the junction is bridged by the resultingmulti-branch circuit.

The embodiment discussed above for selectively emitting light fromjunctions is exemplary only, however, and any method known or used inthe art for causing light emission at a variety of selected junctions orpoints on a surface may, additionally or alternatively, be used to coverthe surface of the dome-shaped pixel, or to otherwise form a curved orotherwise multiple-angle, instantaneously system directable pixel. Forexample, in an alternative embodiment, light emitting cells are arrangedin the same pattern as the semiconductor units pictured, and thosecells, rather than junctions, may be individually addressed by thin-filmtransistors (which may be transparent, for use in transparent displaysor screens) to create light emanating from a particular point, region orarea of the pixel. In other embodiments, electrodes rather thansemiconductor materials may be used at the locations indicated forsemiconductor units 1209, and additional emissive semiconductormaterials may be present at the location of the junctions, such asorganic materials used in OLED displays.

Because the overall array of semiconductor units, half of which areshown as quarter-dome 1223 in the cross-sectional figure, is convex(facing upward and away from a display in which device 1201 isembedded), the resulting light emission possible from the junctionscovers a wide variety of possible viewing angles. It should be notedthat the shape may be convex, as well, and that, as mentioned above, awide variety of other multiple-angled emissive arrangements may,alternatively or addition, be used.

To aid in focusing light emitted from the junctions, holes or slits,such as the examples pictured as 1225, in a screening dome 1227 may beincluded. By filtering out more diffuse light emissions from eachjunction, such as 1211, each slot, such as 1229, serves to narrow andrestrict a resulting efferent light beam 1231, resulting in a focusedbeam emanating outward at the angle selected by the control system infiring light from the junction (in this example, junction 1211). Aprotective, transparent or semitransparent cover 1233 may also beincluded, to protect pixel device 1201, and aid in mounting it on adisplay. In some embodiments, light-channeling and light angle alteringfeatures 1235 (such as lenses or fiber optic aspects) may be included incover 1233, to aid in directing beam 1231 in the direction selected bythe control unit, or to cover a viewing area or areas. In someembodiments, multiple angles may be selected, for multiple viewinglocations, and, thereby, a junction can be selected for firing to createmore than one image, for more than one viewing area. As mentionedelsewhere, cells of system-actuable, variably blocking and transparentmaterials may be included in some embodiments, such as exemplary nematiccrystal cell 1290. As with other units, a plurality of cells such as1290, covering the surface of cover 1233, permits creating lightingeffects from a wide variety of viewing angles, but further includesaltering the transparency, and shading, light passing through pixel 1201according to a selected angle of transmission (and, therefore, viewing).

Pixel device 1201 may be used in a wide variety of display settings and,in particular, can be useful in augmented reality contexts. For example,by lining and substantially covering a windshield, glasses, or any othertransparent viewing screen, with pixels 1201, with the proviso thatsubstantially transparent electrodes, semiconductors and backing platematerials be used, an array of pixels 1201 can be used by a controlsystem to create a wide variety of virtual objects, shading and effects,which differ according to the viewing position of the user, and theseeffects may be overlaid to enhance the appearance of real-world objectsand create real-world contextualized content. With the use of a twistednematic liquid crystal cells, covering the light emission regions tocreate varying colors, (LCD display technology), light can be shaded orleft relatively unshaded, to block light from environmental objects of abrightness exceeding a threshold determined and implemented by thecontrol system—and such objects can be shaded or unshaded for particularviewing positions and inherent observation points, while leaving otherviewing positions unshaded.

FIG. 13 is a side view depicting a pixel 1301 including a set ofexemplary red, green and blue subpixel components (1303, 1305 and 1307,respectively) and other surrounding display aspects, which may beincorporated in a flat panel display. The exact nature of the displaymay vary widely, encompassing any display technology, such as liquidcrystal displays (“LCD”), plasma displays or organic light-emittingdiode (“OLED”) displays, while still incorporating aspects of thepresent embodiment. Generally, subpixel components 1303-1305 may appearin repeating triplets, mounted on electrode materials, such as theexample shown as 1308, and below a transparent protective layer 1309.Although omitted for simplicity, it should also be understood that atransparent cathode material may also be present below protective layer1309, depending on the nature of the display technology employed. Asubstrate material 1311 is also present below anode material 1308, andmay be visible (or, in some embodiments, overlaid with another materialthat is visible) as a dark black line between the pixel sub-elements,when they are illuminated, if not for other aspects of the invention,which will be discussed below. A control system, such as control system500, discussed above, may individually activate subpixel elements1303-1307, varying each of their strength to emit different amounts oftheir labeled color, to create the appearance of virtually any color atthe election of the control system at each such pixel location on adisplay. To reduce or remove the effects of the dark black lines betweenpixel sub-elements, and between pixels that are the result of necessaryspacing, visible substrate or overlays, reflective inserts, such asexemplary reflective inserts 1313, 1315 and 1317, may be present betweenpixel subelements and pixels, to cover otherwise visible substratematerials, and in place of other masking and separating materials andspaces. Among other things, the shape, location and facets of inserts1313-1317 pictured are selected to prevent any light entering aninterstitial space 1319 between pixels and pixel sub-elements from beingreflected directly back out. For example, a light ray path 1321 thatwould otherwise reflect directly into and back out from reflectiveinsert 1313 (because it is perpendicular to its outer facet) is blockedin both directions by part of red pixel element 1303. In other words, inpreferred embodiments, light entering the interstitial spaces 1319becomes absorbed by materials in pixel subelements, and a viewer oflight reflected from any of the inserts may only view reflected lightoriginating from a pixel subelement, as shown by light transmissionpaths 1323, depicting such reflected light paths (each approximately 20degrees from the outward-facing facet of insert 1315). And this remainstrue for any possible viewing angle from outside of protective layer1309, of a display.

In the instance of insert 1315 specifically, the reflective facetcomprises non-reflective gaps, and is more spread out vertically thanthat of insert 1313. However, each gap-separated component of insert1315 maintains the same facet angle on its upper, light-reflectingsurface as that featured in insert 1313, resulting in a louveredreflection completely covering the interstitial space 1319 for a viewer,and creating the appearance of an extended green pixel, 1305, withoutany gaps just as or nearly as well, while also permitting the entry andabsorption of light in the gaps (for example, into an underlying maskingmaterial, mounting or absorbing materials). Exemplary underlying maskingmaterials are discussed in greater detail below, in reference to FIG.14. Thus, where some light from outside the display enters interstitialspace 1319 and reflects on 1305, at least a substantial fraction of itwill become absorbed elsewhere than pixel 1305, allowing the maintenanceof a purer display color, despite ambient light. Insert 1317 ismulti-faceted, to accommodate the greater space between pixel subelement1307, and aspects of a neighboring pixel element 1325.

FIG. 14 is partial side view of a pixel 1401, additional interstitialdisplay aspects and a connected energy sink 1403 and power conversionsystem, which may be incorporated in a flat panel display. As with FIG.13, above, the pixel technology described with reference to FIG. 14 maybe incorporated into a wide variety of display types, such as, but notlimited to, the types of displays discussed above.

As with pixel 1301, discussed above, several subpixel components, namelyleft-hand color subpixel 1405 and right-hand color subpixel component1407, are comprised in pixel 1401, and mounted between electrodematerials (not pictured) and/or a transparent protective layer 1409 anda substrate material (not pictured). Covering the external view of theseparation space 1419 between subpixel components 1405 and 1407 is a newform of reflective and absorptive interstitial component 1413. As withreflective insert 1315, discussed above, outward-facing facets, such asthe examples shown as 1415 create a reflected image of a neighboringsubpixel or pixel (in this instance, subpixel 1405) for a viewer lookingin to space 1419, from any possible viewing angle outside the display,from the side facing the transparent protective layer 1409. In addition,however, indirect light absorptive surface materials and features, suchas the examples pictured as 1417, are provided. Light-absorptive surfacefeatures 1417 absorb substantially all reflected or otherwise passedlight reaching it, but, due to their position and orientation,especially receive light reflected by the side of pixel 1405, and otherindirect sources. Features 1417 may be coated in matte black finish andmaterials, with several ridges of varying, descending grain sizes, tofacilitate absorption. But to further facilitate light absorption,features 1417 preferably absorb photons by comprising a photo-voltaic(or, in other embodiments, other light energy-gathering, -converting and-transferring) device. Also preferably, that device comprises a materialwith valence electrons that may absorb and convert photons with energiesin the visible spectrum, with a wide range of wavelengths, butespecially in wavelengths occurring in viewing conditions likely to beencountered in a viewing area in common with the display, and likely tobe reflected into the display, into electricity, (or, in someembodiments, other forms of energy). Even more preferably, the materialis suited for rapid further absorption of photons, preferably withconversion of the photon energy to electrical energy. In the latterinstance, electrical energy transfer cables 1421 are provided, andtransfer that electrical energy, preferably, to a storage unit or energysink 1403, suited to rapid, intermediate storage of electrical energy,such as a capacitor or capacitor bank, that is maintained at a positivecharge and, in some embodiments, composed of at least one naturallyconductive and electronegative material. Energy sink 1403 permits therapid removal of energy from features 1417, and/or from similar featurespresent elsewhere in the display, and accumulates electrical energyuntil it is unloaded and transferred into a longer-term storage deviceor power supply 1423. A control unit 1425 may control the transfer ofenergy to and from unit/energy sink 1403 and storage device or supply1423, via switchable connections between them and, in some embodiments,other power transfer hardware (such as transformers, amplifiers,capacitors, and other gatekeeping hardware. In some embodiments, powerabsorbed by hardware controlled by the control unit can be repurposed,and combined with another power supply used by the display for its otheroperations. Among other benefits, the photon absorption aspects setforth herein enable the display to render the appearance (or, moreaccurately, the lack of appearance) of deeper blacks, when that color isrendered by a display, as well as purer versions of other renderedcolors, by removing the impact of reflected, ambient light, to a degreenot possible with masks and finishes alone. To further facilitate theabsorption of reflected and other received light, features 1417implement a multiple-reflection trajectory for any possible light pathof light entering interstitial space 1419 and reaching them. In thisway, features 1417 encounter a reflected light ray multiple times, ifnecessary, to increase the odds of substantial absorption.

It should be understood that the controlled photon-absorption andconversion techniques discussed above, although applied in theembodiment of reducing reflected, ambient light in inter-pixel spaces,they may be applied equally to the surfaces of pixels themselves,particularly, when transparent hardware is used, rather than matte-blackmaterials. Even matte-black materials may be used, however, providedsufficient thinness or light transmission patterns are implemented.

FIG. 15 is a front view of an array of pixels 1501 comprised in adisplay (partially depicted as 1500) implementing aspects of theinvention related to image enhancement. For simplicity, the view of thefigure is partial, with just sixteen pixels, such as the examples shownas 1503, depicted. However, it should be understood that the largerdisplay, of which examples 1503 are a part, may comprise many millions,billions, or trillions of such pixels. It should also be understoodthat, although the aspects of the invention discussed below are appliedto individual pixels, each effect described herein may be applied tosub-components of or groups of neighboring pixels, applying the effectsdescribed herein for individual pixels across multiple neighboringpixels; in particular, this may be desirable in higher-resolutiondisplays, with smaller pixels, to achieve an optimized image enhancementresult. Each pixel comprises sub-pixel components, such as the pixelsub-components and devices discussed above, with reference to theprevious figures. Thus, each pixel 1503 is preferably capable ofproducing a full range of visible color wavelengths, as implemented inmodern display technologies suitable for viewing a wide variety ofmedia.

As display 1500 is activated, and begins to display an image, thesixteen pixels begin to take on an appearance reflecting the data ofwhatever media is being displayed. The image may contain data reflectingimage objects—meaning, images of entities or phenomena—with visibleedges, borders or boundaries between them, in the image. Certain pixelswill, as a result, be depicting (or substantially, mostly or partiallydepicting, or depicting more of than other neighboring pixels) the edge,border or boundary of a given object. For example, pixels 1505 sodepicting the edge of such an object. The object depicted may be alighter-colored object, or an object closer to the camera or otherperspective view of the image, than a neighboring object. A control unitconnected with and controlling display 1500 (such as the control systemdiscussed above, with reference to FIG. 5) may aid in recognizing anddefining such objects before or as they are displayed, by analyzing dataof or associated with the image. For example, the control system canperform an edge or boundary detection algorithm on those data, to definepixels depicting the object and edges of the object. In otherembodiments, however, the image data itself may comprise objectdefinition data, created by a producer of the media to aid inimplementing aspects of the invention set forth below. In other words, amedia manufacturer, such as a film producer, may embed 2-D or 3-D objectdata (which can be embedded automatically by a camera withrange-finding, stereoscopy or other 3-D object location and imagingtechnology, or in post-process), which embedded object data defines eachpixel of the image as describing a particular object, the identity andlocation of that particular object on the display and relative to otherobjects, and/or other local attributes or object parts of the part ofthe object depicted by that pixel. In such an embodiment, the displaycontrol system may interpret that data to build temporary objectlibraries, and use the data and/or libraries to determine which pixelsof the resulting display depict parts and edges of particular objects,and then implement aspects of the invention set forth below based onthat information.

In the example provided in the figure, the control system has determinedthat boundary-depicting pixels 1505 (labeled “B.P.”, for convenience) sodepict parts of such an edge, border or boundary of such an object.Following that determination, the control system takes actions toenhance the appearance of the edge, border or boundary depicted bypixels 1505, leading it to stand out more clearly, and in a morelife-like manner than without those actions, when implemented on certaincommon display technologies (such, but not limited to, certain LCD andOLED flat panel displays.) In one embodiment, pixels abutting eachboundary- or edge-depicting pixel 1505—namely, edge enhancement pixels1507 (labeled “E.P.”)—are darkened or, more preferably, blackened,providing the appearance of a clearer, crisper edge with a greatercontrast between pixels depicting the edge of the object and aneighboring background object. In some embodiments, theboundary-depicting pixels 1505 themselves may also be darkened, but,preferably, to smaller degree of darkening or blackening than the edgeenhancement pixels 1507. Similarly, additional, outer enhancement pixels1509 (labeled “O.E.P.”), on the other side of boundary-depicting pixels1507 from the object may be darkened or blackened, but also preferablyto smaller degree than pixels 1507. Put differently, the darkening orblackening edge enhancement effect may be applied across a range ofpixels abutting pixels 1507, as well as pixels 1507. Some forms ofpixels may have a plurality of sub-pixel elements permitting theapplication of a darkening or blackening gradient or light-absorbingtechnology (such as that discussed in the previous figure), with suchpixels carrying out these aspects in a more gradual manner across therange of the pixel, as shown with exemplary gradient pixels 1511 and1512. Thus, in such embodiments, a boundary-depicting pixel, such as1511, experiences a lightening gradient, moving toward the upper-leftcorner of pixel 1511, and that gradient continues (rather than startingover) darkening or blackening pixel 1512 in a gradient proceeding fromthe lower-right corner to the upper-right corner of pixel 1512. Thedarkening gradient preferably is applied in a direction normal to thetangent of the object's edge depicted by pixels 1505, but may, in otherembodiments, be applied in a more approximate or rough direction facingaway from the edge of a depicted object (e.g., the 45-degree anglepictured by graduating effect direction arrows 1513, andgradient-demonstrating lines 1515).

In some, but not all, embodiments, the darkening or blackeningedge-enhancement effect is applied in a content-aware manner, ratherthan by applying absolute darkening or blackening level values to thepixels. For example, where other objects abutting boundary pixels 1505have starting levels, prior to application of enhancement methodsdiscussed above, that are lighter than others (e.g., above a thresholdbrightness value) compared relatively to inner object pixels 1517 (whichdepict interior aspects of the object, and are labeled “I.P.”), thedarkening or blackening amounts or gradients applied may be less thanwith objects (and their edges) initially depicted with darker pixels,while achieving similar edge-enhancement effects. In other embodiments,particular colors or textures may be applied, rather than a darkening orblackening effect, to pixels 1505, 1507 and 1509, to enhance theappearance of edges, depending on the neighboring colors and texturesdepicted by other pixels depicting the object. The object's size, orfeatures (or the size and features of background objects) at the edgedepicted by pixels 1505, and average levels light and color, andtextures from the objects and features, may also be used to influencethe size and degree of the darkening and gradients implemented—largerobjects and features leading generally to larger gradients and numbersof pixels covered by the darkening and blackening effects. In otherembodiments, the effects discussed in this section may be applied morediffusely (across more abutting pixels) with areas of an image that areout-of-focus, and to an amount depending on the degree that the objectis in or out of focus, to avoid the creation of visual artifacts fromthe methods set forth with reference to the figure. Local focus data,specific to pixels or groups of pixels, may be implemented in much thesame was as the pixel-to-object and edge relating data discussed above.In some scenarios, a lightening, rather than darkening or blackeningeffect, may be applied according to the methods set forth above, toenhance the appearance of object edges in the rare cases where edgebrightness values are more greatly illuminated—for example, whenlighting conditions illuminating the 3-D object source of the imagecreate highlights on the edge of the object in question. Such lightingconditions data may, as with the object data and other image-enhancementdata discussed above, be included in a specialized file format, whichmay also set forth such data relative to each image source pixel, andeach resulting display pixel on any possible display (whether or not thenumber of pixels of the source image and depicting display match).

FIG. 16 is a top-view of elements of a variable-transparency displayscreen 1601, in accordance with aspects of the present invention. Aswith other matrices and windows set forth in this application, displayscreen 1601 is capable of permitting the majority of light with an angleof propagation passing from observed side 1603 through to a viewing side1605. On the viewing side of display 1605, a user may view objectssituated on observed side 1603 from a wide variety of observationpoints, such as exemplary observation point 1607 and exemplaryobservation point 1609. In other words, one or more of users' eyes maybe present at point 1607 or 1609 and, because display 1601 comprises allor mainly transparent components, users may view objects present on theother side of the display.

As with other embodiments set forth in the present application, display1601 may comprise system-actuable shading components, such as example1611, which tint, block or otherwise reduce the amount of light passingthrough display 1601 in accordance with signals transmitted to each ofthem by a control system, to reduce or augment the appearance of objectsat an observation focal point. Also as with other shading elements indisplays set forth in this application, 1611 may selectivelydirectionally-shade light passing through display 1601, using separatelyshadable sub-components along the curved shading surface of component1611 (not pictured).

In addition, display 1601 comprises new hardware components, configuredto create a wide variety of new augmented reality and “shifted reality”visual effects, used with the components and embodiments discussed abovein this application, and as will be demonstrated in greater detailbelow. First, display 1601 comprises pivotable fiber optic or other lenselements, such as the examples shown as 1613. Fiber optic/lens elements1613 preferably populate display 1601 at regular or other intervals,substantially covering the space between at least two transparent outerlayers—namely, an outward-facing layer 1615, and an inward-facing layer1617. Each element 1613 preferably comprises a transparent housing, suchas the examples pictured as 1619, shaped to permit an interior lens orfiber optic component, such as the examples pictured as 1621, to pivotin any 3-Dimensionally rotational direction (within rotational limits,in some embodiments). Each lens or fiber optic component 1621 is capableof receiving light from observed/outward side 1603 through alight-passing face 1620, and out to the viewing/inward side 1605 throughanother light-passing face 1622. By pivoting in a wide variety ofpossible 3-D rotational directions, as directed by a control system(e.g., connected to and controlling rotational motors attached to eachcomponent 1621 and housing 1619) the light passing through each element1613 can be redirected and otherwise altered, creating unique visualeffects at any observation point selected by the control system. Displayelements 1613 may occur in several possible lens and fiber optic shapes,configurations and other types, changing the concentration, focus andother properties of the light passing through it. For example, exemplarydisplay element 1623 comprises an interior fiber optic component 1624with a motorized joint 1625. By actuating motorized joint 1625 to alterthe angle between an outward-facing length 1627 and a viewer-facinglength 1629 of component 1624, light entering component 1624 in onedirection of incidence (which direction intersects with exemplaryobservation/viewing point 1607) can pass through to viewing side 1605 ata different angle (now intersecting with observation/viewing point1609). In this way, and using many such elements within a larger displaythan that shown in this simplified figure, a control system can create aperspective and view for a viewer at observation point 1609 that wouldnormally occur at observation focal point 1607, among many otherperspective changes. These changes can be made selectively by thecontrol system, which may first define objects (which it seeks to changethe apparent location, size or other factors of for a viewer). Otherfiber optic or lens components may have lateral (side-mounted) lightinlets, in addition to light-passing face 1620, allowing environmentallight emanating from a lateral position to be passed toward a user. Forexample, other components may comprise outer mirrors, redirecting lighthitting the sides of those components toward such light inlets inneighboring components.

Display 1601 can also be used to add entirely new virtual objects andeffects, in addition to altering the appearance of existing virtualobjects, with interstitial light creating pixel components, such as theexamples shown as 1631. As with other pixels and pixel arrays discussedin this application, pixel components 1631 may comprise an L.E.D.,L.C.D. or other electrically-actuable light emission component which,when activated by a control system, can be used to create the appearanceof an object. Components 1631 comprise directional-emission sub-elements1633, which also may emit light at a wide variety of emission angles,(much like fiber optic/lens components 1621) in any direction(s) facingany possible selected observation focal point necessary to create theappearance of any object, as directed by the control system controllingdisplay 1601. It should be understood that, although shown in a limited,2-D view, sub-elements 1633 may radiate light in substantially any 3-Ddirection, toward a viewer/user. In this way, in addition to creatingvirtual objects and effects generally, display 1601 can be used totransmit a seamless blend of (1) existing light, viewable as realobjects, (2) created light, viewable as virtual objects and effects, and(3) repurposed existing light, creating new views of real objects andeffects and new virtual objects and effects at different observationfocal points, in differing degrees selected by the control system. Thisnew blend of mediated reality will be referred to hereinafter as“shifted reality.”

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a specialized window displayincorporated into a semi-autonomous vehicle 1701, in accordance with thepresent invention. As with any other transparent window or other screenthrough which a user may view an environment, vehicle windows 1703 maycomprise the display system discussed in reference to FIG. 16, above(but of a much greater size and with each described component in fargreater numbers.) As such, any object viewed through windows 1703 may beaugmented, mediated or altered by the “shifted reality” aspects setforth above.

For example, a user seated on the viewing side of displayscreen/windscreen 1705 may view objects of a real environment on theobserved side (outside of the vehicle), such as roadway 1707, the sun1709, or a point of interest 1711. In addition, a user may viewcontrol-system-mediated augmentations of such environmental objects.

For example, and as discussed in greater detail in semi-autonomousdriving process flow FIG. 19, below, the display may present a user withvarious route choices by overlaying 3-D virtual object route selectionarrows 1713 over side-streets 1715. As also explained below, a user mayuse a stowable yoke 1717, and other input devices, to select from thoseroute options (and provide other user input for the system). Yoke 1717may be stowed by a user pressing it into a recessed well 1718, when notin use, enhancing personal comfort and freedom when not engaged insemi-autonomous or manual driving activities.) When selected, and whenpossible for the vehicle and its control system to execute safely (inlight of other vehicles, vehicle speed, road conditions, etc.) the routemarkers may appear as solid shapes, as pictured for route marker 1719.If not, a selected route marker may appear as a dotted or otherwisevisually-distinguished object, as pictured for route marker 1721.Similarly, a potential, but not selected route marker may appear with adifferent attribute to alert the user that the route is not selected,but available for selection. In some embodiments, as discussed below, auser may select or request an available route with an ordinary steeringgesture (in this instance, turning the yoke immediately leftward toselect the next available left turn.) If the requested route is notavailable, the user may also be provided with haptic feedback (e.g., abuzzing or physical twitch or click) to indicate route selections orunavailable routes.) In other embodiments, a user may place the controlsystem into a “Manual” driving mode, wherein the yoke provides ordinarysteering capabilities (and other driving controls provide other ordinaryfunctionality). In addition, other interior panels of vehicle 1701 maybe lined with specialized displays that, although curved as pictured forexemplary display screen 1601, above, can emit any image at the driveror other user's observation point—including an ordinary view of theroad, as shown on structural pillar display 1731. Other such interiorsurface displays are shown as 1733. In some embodiments, the pillardisplay may serve as a rear view mirror by displaying the perspective ofa rearward-facing camera.

FIG. 18. is a perspective view of the same specialized window display asset forth in reference to FIG. 17, above, carrying out “shifted reality”aspects of the present invention. During autonomous, or semi-autonomousdriving procedures, as discussed in greater detail below, a user may bepresented with informational menus, game environments, or other highlyaugmented or shifted reality displays, as set forth in this application.In these aspects, the appearance of the user's environments may behighly modified, while still maintaining environmental light, asdiscussed above. For example, in the scene depicted in the figure, theuser and/or the control system has called up an informational operationsmenu 1841. In order for the user to see the information on this screenmenu more clearly, and without losing total view of the outsideenvironment, the apparent location of various objects has been shiftedfor a user at the observation focal point corresponding with theperspective of the figure. For example, both point of interest (now1811) and the sun (1809) have been shifted outward, to the periphery ofmenu 1841, and other environmental aspects of the scene have been warpedout of the way, and downward (1814).

Similarly, if the user requests more information concerning point ofinterest 1811, it may become enlarged, appearing closer than before, asshown in this figure, to be seen more clearly. Conversely, adistracting, unpleasant aspect, such as the sun 1809 in the user's eyes,may be reduced or removed altogether, or otherwise enhanced inappearance, as pictured.

FIG. 19 is a process flow diagram of exemplary steps 1900 carried out bya semi-autonomous vehicle, in accordance with aspects of the presentinvention. Beginning with Step 1901, a control system controllinghardware set forth in reference to the figures above enters anautonomous driving mode, and proceeds to step 1903, in which itdetermines if a driving control, such as a steering wheel or yoke, hasbeen activated (e.g., by a user de-stowing or gripping it sufficiently).The control system then enters a semi-autonomous driving mode, bydefault, to mediate any safety issues with entering a manual drivingmode (where a user is in full control of vehicle driving functions, suchas steering and acceleration) initially. Next, the control system maydetermine if the user has selected the activation of such a manualdriving mode in step 1905 and, if not, enters an alternative,semi-autonomous driving mode, in step 1906. The control system nextdetermines whether particular driving gestures are being input by auser, in steps 1909, 1911, 1913 and 1915, and, if so, proceeds to step1911 et seq.

For example, in step 1909, the control system determines whether a useris actuating the accelerator pedal or other throttle or brake pedal, torequest an increase or decrease in the amount of speed for the vehicle.The control system may then assess, using on board gauges and sensors,whether such an increase or decrease in speed falls within safetyparameters, legal restrictions, environmental and traffic conditions,different velocity limits and other constraints of the safesemi-autonomous driving program (which may be variably set according todifferent jurisdictions, vehicles and road conditions, in someembodiments.) If an increase in speed falls within such safe drivinglimits, the control system may proceed to increase or decrease thevehicle's speed in accordance with the requested change in vehiclespeed, in step 1917. In step 1911, the control system may determine (asdiscussed in some detail above) whether the user has activated, grippedor removed a steering yoke from a storage recess, indicating a desire todirect the vehicle. In some embodiments, the control system may allowthe user to steer the vehicle within particular semi-autonomous drivinglimits (according to control system programs having a higher margin ofsafety than any limits placed in a manual driving mode). In otherembodiments, the control system may limit effective yoke input, or theuser may indicate a yoke input for, more general input selections, suchas selecting between available control system-mapped routes, asdiscussed above in reference to FIGS. 17 and 18. As also discussedabove, the control system may provide feedback regarding input orexecution limits within the semi-autonomous driving mode, in step 1923,while only executing driving maneuvers from a subset of acceptabledriving performance programs, in step 1925. The control system maydetermine if such route or destination selections have been made in step1913, and proceed to highlight that route on the display in step 1921,and travel toward that destination. The control system may provide theuser with other relevant information concerning the geographic area orother aspects of the destination or vehicle environment, as well asother useful or entertaining information or programs in step 1927. Insome programs, a user may interact further with the control system(e.g., selecting movies, music, telecommunications systems and/or games)in steps 1929 and 1931.

FIG. 20 is a front-view of an exemplary personal environment viewing andscanning device 2000, comprising a display 2001 configured for creatingaugmented reality (and shifted reality, specifically) with an array ofsimultaneously deployed sensors and cameras. More specifically, device2000 comprises two exemplary, user-facing cameras, 2003 and 2005,mounted in a device housing 2007 (on the same side of the housing asdisplay 2001). Cameras 2003 and 2005 are preferably separated from oneanother and from at least one auxiliary sensor(s), 2009, in space. Eachof cameras 2003 and 2005 and sensor(s) 2009, face outward in slightlydifferent directions and/or with different focal lengths, depth-of-fieldor other aspects changing their perspective of the viewable environmenton the side of the housing comprising the display. However, preferably,cameras 2003 and 2005, and sensor(s) 2009, each have a view ofsubstantially the same areas (or regions of space) in that environment.Device 2000 also comprises a control system 2011 (which may be a controlsystem such as that disclosed in reference to FIG. 5, above) and/or isconnected to and able to communicate with a control system, which isconnected to and able to communicate with each of cameras 2003 and 2005(e.g., through electronic conduits), and any other cameras and sensorscomprised in device 2000. Thus, by scanning the same environment fromdiffering angles, the control system 2011, controlling cameras 2003 and2005 and sensor(s) 2009, can assess the 3-D appearance and 3-D contentorientation and even the content of any object identified within theenvironment.

As will be discussed in greater detail below, in reference to FIG. 21,device 2000 and housing 2007 also comprise a series of angled surfaces,such as the examples pictured as 2013, each facing outward from device2000, and, as with cameras 2003 and 2005 and sensor(s) 2009, oriented indifferent directions outward (such as skewed angles), relative to oneanother and the environment. As with the light transmission elements andhardware discussed in reference to FIGS. 12-16, above, each angledsurface 2013 may also comprise all, or mainly, transparent componentsand hardware components configured for implementing augmented realityand shifted reality visual effects, such as the examples set forth inreference to FIG. 16, above. The display 2001 may directly abut angledsurfaces 2013 or another transparent intermediate material, and may alsobe a transparent light transmission medium or component, as set forthwith respect for FIGS. 12-16, above. Also, as with other figures setforth in this application, display device 2000 may comprise hardware forselectively shading and enhancing environmental light destined forobservation focal points defined by the control system. For example, ina preferred method, the control system 2011 scans the environment facingdevice 2000 and display 2001, and identifies the location andorientation of a user's eyes (if present). The control system may thendefine and track an observation focal point based on the user's eyelocation and orientation, in real time, and create shading to reduceglare and enhance the viewability of environmental objects, and createthe appearance of virtual objects, on the other side of device 2000(discussed in greater detail below) as discussed in reference to thefigures set forth above in this application.

Although better viewed in FIG. 21, among other advantages, angledsurfaces 2013 create grippable regions, facilitating a user's handlingof the device 2000 which, preferably, is of a size suitable for holdingwithin the expanse of most outstretched human hands.

FIG. 21 is a rear-view of the same exemplary personal environmentviewing and scanning device 2000, and showing an exemplary array ofadditional cameras 2101 and sensors 2103, as well as exemplary grip andshock-absorption aspects comprised in housing 2007. As discussedimmediately above, the grippable, angled surfaces 2013 of device 2000,facing outward at variegated angles, yet substantially covering theoutward-facing surface of device 2000 and joined with one another attheir edges, can be seen more clearly in the present figure. Also asmentioned above, angled surfaces 2013 create grippable,outward-protruding edges, such as the examples shown as 2117, andfinger-cradling, indented valleys, such as the examples shown as 2118,for a user's hand, gripping the side of device 2000 shown in the presentfigure. In some embodiments, edges 2117 and 2118 comprise flexible,elastomeric and/or cushioning and trauma-resistant materials, such asplastics, rubbers or other suitable polymers or easily-formed grip andbumper materials. However, preferably, that material is also suitablytransparent or small enough in profile not to interfere with the imagingcapabilities of optical and other sensor hardware within angled surfaces2013.

Because the side of device 2000 shown in the present figure comprises aplurality of cameras and/or other sensors, the control system 2011 (notpictured in the present figure) may select from any or all of them toimage the surrounding environment, and create augmented reality objectsand other enhancements, in accordance with aspects of the presentinvention. In a preferred method, the control unit determines whetherany of the available sensors are substantially blocked from viewing theenvironment by a user's hand or other object, for example, bydetermining that a useable portion of each camera or sensor has beenblacked out (e.g., too low a light level to register gray scale, curvedhistogram). If so, the control unit turns off or disregards data fromthat camera(s) or sensor(s) in generating imaging and 3-D objectorientation, structure, composition and location data, as set forthelsewhere in this application. In general, during ordinary holding andusage of device 2000, at least a plurality of camera(s) and/or sensor(s)will be available for scanning and producing such 3-D objectorientation, structure, composition and location data. This and othermethodology of the present invention is discussed in greater detailbelow, in reference to FIG. 22, immediately below.

It should be mentioned that, in some embodiments, the sensor and lighttransmission hardware may co-exist, in a single subdevice, such asangled surfaces 2013. In addition, in some embodiments, transmission andlight generation may be in any direction selected by the control system,to generate visual affects throughout a surrounding space, not justtowards the display side of device 2000.

It should also be noted that the sensors set forth above may be anysuitable sensors and devices known in the art for tracking, imaging andmapping objects, orientations, structures, compositions and/or shapes in3-D space. For example, in some embodiments, the sensor's aredirectional ultrasound sensors, or miniature (low magnetic fieldstrength) MRI machines, Infrared Sensors or ordinary cameras, controlledby computer hardware for determining and mapping 3-D objects andtracking their locations and orientations within the surroundingenvironment.

FIG. 22 is an exemplary process flow diagram of exemplary steps 2200,which may be carried out by a personal environment viewing and scanningdevice, such as the example described in reference to FIGS. 20 and 21,and elsewhere, above.

Beginning with step 2201, the control system of device 2000 (such ascontrol system 2011, set forth above), detects a user's eye location andorientation (for example, using camera(s) 2003 and 2005 and/or sensor(s)2009) in 3-D space relative to the device, and defines the location ofthe observation focal points for a user, based on that data, in realtime. The control system may also determine its own location andorientation in space, using comprises compass(es) and/or accelerometers,or GPS data, communicated through antennas, and then define and trackthe observation focal points relative to the Earth, correcting formovement of device 2000. Based on the user's eye orientation anddistance from a viewed environmental object (or the device), the controlsystem may also define a probable focal point for the user's eyes, and,therefore, a distance from the viewed object and a likely focal lengthnecessary to render an image for the user. The control system thenproceeds to step 2203, in which (as discussed above, in reference toFIG. 21) it determines whether any of the available sensors and/orcamera(s) (preferably, on the side of the device pictured in FIG. 21)are substantially blocked from viewing the environment by a user's handor other object, for example, by determining that a useable portion ofeach camera or sensor has been blacked out (e.g., too low a light levelto register gray scale, curved histogram). If so, the control unit turnsoff or disregards data from that camera(s) or sensor(s) in generatingimaging and 3-D object orientation, structure, composition and locationdata, as set forth elsewhere in this application. Next, in step 2205,the control unit may use the camera(s) and sensor(s) to image and scanany environmental object(s), and build a 3-D map of details of theobjects. After that, the control system may link image and 3-D objectmap components to sensor and camera data giving rise to them. Thecontrol unit then builds a mapped relationship between the data givingrise to single object aspects, originating from multiple camera(s) andpaired sensor(s) with differing perspectives. Proceeding to step 2207,the control unit next determines what light paths in the environmentwill intersect with the observation focal points, forming an image forthe user, or, which would form an image for the user, except that it isblocked by the device or another object, which may then be selectivelyremoved from view through image creation aspects set forth in thepresent application. (In some embodiments, the sensors and cameras arepresent outside of the confines of the device, such as by scatteringthroughout the environment, and wireless communications with the controlsystem, enabling the imaging and rendering of any objects, and removalof any other objects, from view, at the user's selection.) To do so, thecontrol system next recreates the light blocked by those object(s), forexample, by transmitting and shifting the perspective of the environmentusing shifted reality aspects of the present invention, set forth above,or by otherwise generating virtual objects, augmentations or othereffects, in step 2209.

As mentioned above, the control system, and other control systemsnetworked with the control system (e.g., via the Internet and aBlockchain) may maintain an Index of all world objects—both specificallyand by category—in part, by recording 3-D and ordinary imaging datagathered by the camera(s) and sensor(s) of the device. The resultinglibrary of objects and categories may then be periodically updated bysubsequent tests and observations, implemented by the control system, anexamples of which are set forth in steps 2211 et seq.

In steps 2211 and 2213, the control system may again observe thesurrounding environment of the device, and match the resulting image and3-D data to images and sensor data recorded previously, to identify anyobjects or categories of objects present in the environmental scene(e.g., by confidence interval match, perspective analysis, andinterpolation of gaps at several levels), which have been identifiedpreviously. In step 2215, the control system may create simulations,using the display sub-device(s) of device 2000, of the objects, forvirtual imaging, enhancement and virtual experiments relating to thereal objects. To do so, physics models may be built from the data storedin the library, and related to the identified objects and objectcategories. For example, if a car tire is viewed and identified by thecontrol system as an object, and then simulated with the display as avirtual object, the user could use the user interface of the device tohit (e.g., gesture at) the virtual object representing the tire, and thevirtual object would then rebound to the user's touch, based on thestored physics of the rubber tire category that the control system hasplaced the tire within as an object. In this way, a user can hit, orotherwise manipulate, virtual objects representing all real worldobjects, immediately, on the scene, without interfering with the realworld version of the viewed object. Of course, the user can stillmanipulate the real world object corresponding with the virtual objectany time and, if so, the control system may continue to monitor itsbehavior, and update both the object data and the category applicable toit, even creating new categories, if the previous data does not matchprevious data. For example, and to extend the example, if the user“kicks” the real world tire corresponding with the virtual object tire,and the tire does not, in fact, rebound or yield at all, defying thecategory characteristics in step 2219, the control unit may create a newcategory for tire-like wheels that are composed of a hard material, andassign the object those new characteristics, in the library, in steps2221 through 2225. There is no limit to the possible number ofcategories which may be built, with several categories arising for eachobject, through different levels of generalization. For example, for thetire, the category of round objects, wheel, tire, and ridged surfaceobjects, may each be created. It should also be understood that,although the example of visualization of objects is given, any form ofsensory detection may be subject to the same, or similar methodology asset forth in this application. For example, if the howling of a skiddingtire is heard by a microphone controlled by the control system, thecategory of elastomeric objects may be applied to the object, just assurely as by observing it yield to a user's touch.

I claim:
 1. A system for enhancing observable images and environmentscomprising: hardware capable of defining observation point(s) orregion(s); and hardware capable of blocking any of several areas of ascreen to shade or intercept at least some light that would otherwisereach said observation point(s) or region(s), hardware capable ofcreating light to produce virtual objects and effects, hardware capableof re-routing environmental light passing through it, to produce a rangeof actual and virtual objects with a shifting perspective.
 2. The systemof claim 1, wherein the system determines the observation point(s) orregion(s) with eye-tracking hardware.
 3. The system of claim 2, whereinthe eye-tracking hardware comprises at least one camera.
 4. The systemof claim 3, wherein the eye-tracking hardware comprises a plurality ofcameras.
 5. The system of claim 2, wherein the eye-tracking hardwarecomprises at least one sensor.
 6. The system of claim 3, wherein thesystem comprises a housing, and a display on one side of the housing,and at least one environmental camera is mounted on a side of thehousing opposite from the display.
 7. The system of claim 6, wherein theat least one environmental camera comprises a plurality of environmentalcameras.
 8. The system of claim 7, wherein the plurality ofenvironmental cameras are configured to view the environment fromdifferent perspectives, and wherein the system is configured to creatinga 3-D map of objects present in the environment.
 9. The system of claim3, wherein the system comprises a housing, and a display on one side ofthe housing, and at least one environmental sensor is mounted on a sideof the housing opposite from the display.
 10. The system of claim 9,wherein at least one environmental camera is also mounted on a side ofthe housing opposite from the display.
 11. The system of claim 10,wherein said at least one environmental camera comprises a plurality ofenvironmental cameras.
 12. The system of claim 6, wherein the side ofthe housing opposite from the display comprises a plurality of angledsurfaces, each configured to absorb light from a plurality of angles,and configured to enhance a user's grip.
 13. The system of claim 12,wherein at least one of said plurality of angled surfaces comprises asensor, configured to sense the environment.
 14. The system of claim 12,wherein at least one of said plurality of angled surfaces compriseshardware for transmitting environmental light entering from the side ofthe housing opposite from the display, based on commands from a controlsystem.
 15. The system of claim 14, wherein at least one of saidplurality of angled surfaces comprises hardware configured to alter theangle and focus of said light entering from the side of the housingopposite from the display before transmitting it, based on commands froma control system.
 16. A method for identifying and enhancing real worldobjects with a personal environment viewing and scanning device,comprising the following steps: identifying at least one observationfocal point of a user of the device; scanning an image and identifyingan environmental object and category encompassing said environmentalobject, using at least one camera and at least one other sensor pairedwith said at least one camera; creating and presenting a virtual objectat the observation focal point, representing said environmental object,with shifted reality hardware; applying object physics stored in alibrary to said virtual object.
 17. The method for identifying andenhancing real world objects with a personal environment viewing andscanning device of claim 16, comprising the following additional step:testing and observing appearance, structure and behavior of saidenvironmental object.
 18. The method for identifying and enhancing realworld objects with a personal environment viewing and scanning device ofclaim 17, comprising the following additional step: creating newcategory(ies) of real world objects, based on said observed appearance,structure and behavior.